Anvil August 2017 by USS Hephaestus NCC-2004

The Anvil U.S.S. Hephaestus: NCC-2004

ALWAYS ONWARD A MEMBER OF STARFLEET INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST 2017

The Anvil

NCC-2004

From the Ready Room

XO Briefing

So, Tell Me How You Really Feel

Exploring Trek

While on an Away Mission

HEPHAESTUS is the Greek name for the Roman god of the forge, Vulcan. Birmingham has the world’s largest iron statue, that of the Roman god, Vulcan. We named our STARFLEET chapter the Hephaestus to give us ties to our city and to Star Trek, which has had its own Vulcan since 1966. Hephaestus forged armor and weapons for the gods. We create our own “armor and weapons” here, in our newsletter, so it is called The Anvil.

Ask the Terran

Cover: CCG Cards by Decipher, Inc.

The Hephaestus Redshirt Challenge

Quotable Quotes

Name the Season

Inside This Issue

Reviews

Star Trek News & More

Ship’s Log

Personal Log Special Report – Star Trek: The Cruise 15

Web Links STARFLEET www.sfi.org Region 2 www.region2.org USS Hephaestus - Group www.facebook.com/groups/Hephaestus2004/

Recommendations

The Captain’s Top 10

Crew Happenings

STARFLEET Academy

STARFLEET Marine Corps

Anvil Focus Schedule

Do You Know this Alien…

Hunt for the Icon

Name the ____ Answers

Away Team and Activity Schedule

STARFLEET Renewal Reminders

Area Conventions & Exhibits

Editor

MarkAdam Miller

Command Structure

Layout, Graphics and Publishing

Brenda A. Miller

NASA Reporter

Curtis Salors

Doctor Who Reporter

Matt Boyd

Field Reporter

James Davis

USS Hephaestus – Page www.facebook.com/USSHephaestus/ Twitter www.twitter.com/Hephaestus2004 Anvil Back Issues www.issuu.com/ncc2004

The Anvil, Issue 312 is the monthly newsletter of the USS Hephaestus, NCC-2004, of STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association. All terms and phrases from Star Trek are owned by Paramount Pictures Corporation, a division of Paramount Communications and all rights are reserved.

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From the Ready Room Greetings from your Captain, July was a busy month. Three conventions, a Social Cookout, Exploring Trek and the poker game: I’m surprised I got anything done. August is not as busy but there still a few things you can do. The social is going to be at the Gardendale Best Western on August 12th. This will give the Mohney’s a chance to take a breather from hosting. The International Conference is in New Orleans, LA on August 18-20. Exploring Trek, discussing Time Travel, will then be Thursday on August 24th at Kingdom Comics. Lastly we have Poker on August 26th at Dennis Evans. So you have plenty of things to get involved with. The end of the year will be here before you know it. Think of things you would like to do next year. Also see what conventions you think we should get involved with. I am already looking doing a table and several panels for Magic City Con. They plan to have the con June 8-10, 2018 which would be a great way to have a social as part of the convention. We also will be able to do panels for the Hoover Library Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival again next year. It will be July 27-29, 2018. I already have several ideas for next year’s panels. There is a lot to be involved with so let me know how you want to help and we will get you plugged in.

As always, Live Long and Prosper and see you around the ship, Fleet Captain MarkAdam Miller cohephaestus@bellsouth.net, www.facebook.com/groups/Hephaestus2004/

XO Briefing Greetings, The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival was really fun. It was interesting walking around and seeing different aspects of fandom. I had fun not only attending but also participating with the Captain in the different panels that were led by the Hephaestus. There are several movies (Thor, The Kings Men, The Justice League) that we as a group could go see. Maybe we can plan to go see one and then go eat after to discuss it. I’m also looking forward to several TV shows that are coming out. The Orville and Star Trek: Discovery are two that should be interesting to sit down to watch. The club is planning to have a premier party at Best Western to watch Star Trek: Discovery.

If you need me, I’ll be with Section 31, Lt. Commander Phillip Mangina, phillip3056@charter.netv USS Hephaestus

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So, Tell Me How You Really Feel from the Spock character the more the counselor’s intelligence diminished.

Who Needs a Counselor? By FCapt MarkAdam Miller

The one thing they got right was to make the counselor an empath. This would make it easier to explain how the she would know the feelings of those around her. The problem is the writers didn’t understand what an empath was and could only come up with stupid lines like: “I feel pain”, “They are angry” & “You are lying.” Another problem the writers had with the character is that she would seem to know too much too soon in the plot and would ruin the scene so was written out most of the time so that wouldn’t happen. What the writers needed to learn was that a counselor gets a person to admit that their problem is denying the reality around them.

Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced a new position of the ship’s counselor. The question is: in a society that was supposed to be free from strife what was the need for a ship’s counselor? The character seemed to have nothing to do but sense someone’s pain. The character of the counselor was supposed to fill the role that Spock did in the original series which was as the commentator on the human experience. The creators not wanting a Spock clone tried to come up with someone different. They did not have a solid grasp on what they wanted and it took most of the series to develop a good character to the point that the character’s best work did not show up in TNG but on Star Trek: Voyager when the character did a couple episodes on that series.

This is why Counselor Deanna Troi shines best in the episodes opposite Lt. Barclay. Lt. Barclay is always trying to escape reality but Deanna always gets him to admit what he is truly missing in his life is true interactions with others.

Why do we have this new position on the ship and what is their job? The position was not really new. Dr. McCoy in the original series did have space psychology as one of his specialties as Chief Medical Officer. From time to time he was commenting on the stress that the crew or the captain was going through during the episode. The counseling position was broken out on its own because of the increased number of people that were traveling on the larger Starships. The Enterprise-D crew was more than double of what was on the original Kirk Enterprise (5 times the crew that Archer had). There was a need to have someone give the captain a better assessment of how the crew was functioning than just medical reports from the ship’s doctor.

A lot of potential was there with not only the character of Deanna Troi but with the actress Marina Sirtis. Ms. Sirtis did well with what she was given and really shined when the writing was correct for the counselor. Counseling is a good profession when people work to find the root of problems. They get a bad rap because sometimes it is hard for the patient to take off the rose-colored glasses that are blinding them to their problem. Sometimes it is the patient’s fault because they are determined not to take the glasses off. Sometimes the counselor can’t find what is causing the problem because of language, culture or even experience differences. This is why it make take more than one counselor to get to the root of a problem. This is also why it is a good idea to have someone who is a good friend you can trust to tell you when you are going off the beam. Hopefully the writers of Star Trek will continue to work with the counselor character concept and be able to use them for more than window dressing.

The new character, the counselor, was to give an emotional view of what new life forms they were encountering, give an emotional feeling to an emotionally tone-deaf Captain, and be the intellect that would show how we need to interact as human beings. This character was essentially Spock with a lot of emotions. The more they tried to steer away USS Hephaestus

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Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi):

Dead Zone as the most notable. She did appear in every episode of the last season of Deep Space Nine as Ezri Dax.

Captain’s Thoughts. Ms. Sirtis was born in London, England to Greek parents Despina and John Sirtis. Her parents did not want her to go in to acting so she had to secretly apply to Guildhall School of Music and Drama after high school. She is best known for her role in Star Trek: The Next Generation as Lt. Commander Deanna Trio, ship’s counselor. She was supposed to be an intellectual on the show but was used for a while as the sex symbol. This is not bad as Ms. Sirtis is a very beautiful woman but there is more to her then just being beautiful. This was showed every time that the writers really got the part right for the Deanne character. She has done other things including voice over work for the Disney’s Gargoyles and Young Justice. She played Orli Elbaz on the crime procedural NCIS.

This role made better use of the ship’s counselor role overall than the Deanna Troi character. This was most likely because of all the ground work that was done for Counselor Troi. This was best used in the episode Afterimage while treating Garak for claustrophobia. She also helped Nog when he lost his leg in the episode It's Only a Paper Moon. Only problem with her character is her, “Oh how sweet,” comment all the time. Personal Note: I met her once at a convention in Indianapolis. She was very charming and seemed a lot like her Ezri character as upbeat and looking for new things to try. At the time, I thought her very young not realizing till recently that she is only 6 years younger than me. I liked her character in The Dead Zone. This gave me a better look at her acting talents as she was in 72 episodes of that show compared to the 25 in Deep Space Nine.

Side Note: Ms. Siritis is great in person. I have met her at a convention I attended in Indianapolis several years ago. She was with Michael Dorn and they react off one another very well. This is because of the great friendship they have. This is one actress that is there for the fans. I hope that I have the chance to see her again sometime soon.

The Accidental Counselor By Merita Cruz When I think of the qualities that would make a good counselor, advisor or psychologist I think of someone who is in touch with his/her emotions and desires. I think of someone who is open to new ideas and would readily embrace change. Deanna Troi would be the perfect example.

Donald Arnold’s Thoughts: It was at the Creation Entertainment Nashville Star Trek Convention where I met Marina. The most memorable story she told that I heard was, "Generations frustrated me. Androids have piloted the Enterprise, Aliens have piloted the Enterprise, even BLIND PEOPLE have driven the Enterprise. I FINALLY get to drive and this planet just JUMPS OUT OF NOWHERE! I had nothing to do with that crash!"

However, when it comes to Voyager’s crew something different happens. As stated by Captain Janeway herself (VOY, S01E05), the nature of their mission did not require Voyager to have a counselor. As we all know, they end up getting stranded in the Delta Quadrant and their mission becomes much longer than anticipated. Without a counselor on board they rely on each other for moral support: Chakotay tries to guide Janeway to her animal guide, Neelix is the self-proclaimed Morale Officer, Paris takes Kim under his wing to teach him how to be less “Bambi-like,” and the Doctor coaches Seven on the finer points of what it means to be human. All things

Nicole de Boer (Ezri Dax) Ms. De Boer was born in Toronto, Canada. She started performing as a child in commercials and theater. Her first television role was a at age 11 on Freddy the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner with Red Skelton. She has gone on to do a long list of shows which includes Sarah Bracknell Bannerman on The USS Hephaestus

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considered, one man stands out as an unlikely choice for counselor: Tuvok.

individual that cannot repress his violent tendencies. An individual that has no conscience, no empathy. Here is an individual that is the exact opposite of Tuvok — a Vulcan that knows his potential for violence but keeps it under control because he has a conscience he must answer to.

Tuvok could be described as repressed. He is a very thoughtful individual but most of his introspection tends to stay there with him. He is not quick to share; nor is he eager to fraternize with the rest of the crew. Yet he takes on the role of mentoring Kes. Thus, in many ways becoming her counselor.

Tuvok uses mind-melds to help Suder gain control of these emotions but does this at the cost of his own control. In the end, Suder grows into a different person: an individual that abhors violence, an individual with remorse that will have to learn to live with a guilty conscience and find ways to redeem himself. Suder has Tuvok to thank. In spite of having to imprison his emotions, Tuvok was able to liberate Crewman Suder and give him peace.

Later in the series, Tuvok helps Kim deal with the pain of unrequited love (VOY, S03E14); particularly he helps him with falling out of love. It is strangely satisfying to see a man you would think to be so “out of his depth” engage in counseling and have to deal with raw emotions — the one thing he must deny himself.

This is why Tuvok, in my opinion, is an accidental counselor.

I think the best example of Tuvok’s counseling abilities comes to light in the episode where he helps Crewman Suder deal with his psychopathic tendencies (VOY, S02E16). Here is Suder, an

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Exploring Trek July’s Exploring Trek was on the Klingon’s. We discussed the Klingons from the Original series through all the series and the movies. We compared them against other antagonists in Star Trek. We concluded with discussing the Klingons as antagonist and as protagonist in the different series. The on your own question was rate the Antagonist of Star Trek from the best to the worse and give your reason why.

Exploring Trek for the rest of the year: Exploring Trek Topics for the rest of the Year: August 24, 2017 - Time Travel September 28, 2017- TNG episode - Parallels October 26, 2017 - Star Trek Discovery Check your calendars to help set up an Exploring Trek Dinner in November or December to celebrate the year. Also be thinking where you want to eat.

Kingdom Comics – the place for all your Star Trek needs USS Hephaestus

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While on an Away Mission By Fleet Captain MarkAdam Miller “Any word from the runabout Hammer?” I questioned. “Nothing has come through yet. Last word from Phillip was that his contact was late and that Lewis has gone missing.” I swung the captain’s chair around to look at her, “Lewis is missing? Why is… TRIBBLE FUR!!!!” I almost let slip that Phillip had a different mission than the one known to the crew. The rest of the crew did not know about the decalithium investigation because of the top-secret nature of it. Brenda looked up at my curse, “Tribble Fur, Sir?”

Previously: We’ve been investigating a body found on Vulcan of a young Amanda Grayson. This has led us in to exploring a possible broken timeline caused by the Vulcan Science Academy and their research of decalithium. The 1st Officer, Phillip Mangina, has taken a runabout to get information from a Section 31 contact to see what they know about the Vulcan decalithium research while the Hephaestus is sending probes into the past to see where the timeline is broken. ********

“Yes, I forgot I sent Crewman Stockham with Phillip to help him in his project. I just hate it when something slips my mind. I am going down to my quarters to make sure I am not missing anything else. You have the comm.” Brenda press a signal to get relief for her station and then proceeded to take the center seat. As I head to the turbolift Matt stepped out of it and headed to the communications station. Once I entered my quarters, Matt called saying that Phillip was on a secure transmission, my eyes only. I told him to pipe it to my quarters.

Captain’s Log Stardate ######.# (redacted) – The time probes’ research has taken a little over a week to determine that there is a break in the timeline around the birth of James T. Kirk. This will cause Temporal Investigations no end of trouble as Captain Kirk’s file is the largest file in the department. This has helped us confirm that the Amanda Grayson body is from a split timeline. The only problem is that it doesn’t answer how the split happened. Hopefully the 1st Officer’s investigation will provide more information on what the Vulcans are up to.

“Phillip, did you learn anything?”

I finished the log and turned to Brenda, “Brenda, transmit all logs and research about the Amanda Grayson body to Commodore Case. Include my conclusion that without a way to jump timelines it will be hard to say how the two timelines have intersected. Since the alternate timeline is a break from ours there is a possibility that other intersections, like the Amanda Grayson body, will happen. The probes have given us enough information to tell the difference between our timeline and the breakoff timeline. I recommend that all future time anomalies be checked against this information to build a better picture of what caused the break and find a way to heal it.” Brenda looked over her board and set up the transmission. “Aye, Captain. Logs and data sent to Commodore Case.” USS Hephaestus

“Hey, Captain. Yes, I did but I don’t want to say anything until I see you in person.” “Okay, how long till you get back to the ship?’ “Should be back in 12 hours” “See you in 12. By the way did you find crewman Stockman?” “Yes, he was checking out the local synthehol bars and lost track of time. He doesn’t hold his synthehol well.” “Okay, I will let it slide this time but next time keep better track of the crewmen on away mission.” “Next time you send Lewis with me I am putting a leash on him.” 5

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In the 12 hours waiting for Phillip I was able to get some sleep and catch up on my Fleet Captain’s work. The difference between a Captain’s and a Fleet Captain’s paper work is the difference between the bottom of the Mariana Trench to the top of Mt. Everest. Most of it is making recommendations that the Zone Coordinator or Region Coordinator routinely sign off on. I think it was called rubber stamping back on old Earth.

said that part of the theory does have a time disruption aspect to it. This time disruption aspect is what is causing the Vulcan Science Academy to shut down the Amanda Grayson investigation. They are afraid that they will get the experiment to work but when it works it will cause a time disruption in the past killing Amanda Grayson and dumping the body in this timeline. The Vulcan Science Academy is looking for other crumbs like Ms. Grayson’s body from the time eruption to see if they can figure out when in the future they do the experiment so they can prevent the time eruption. As of now their super nova experiments are on hold, which my contact says might make this whole investigation mute. That part I don’t understand but the good news is the super nova/decalithium project is on hold.”

I was just finishing up on the last of the reports when the door chimed. “Enter,” I bellowed probably louder then I needed too. Phillip stepped in, “Wow, you might have the Doc check your hearing. I think the Klingons heard you.” “Sorry the door chime startled me. How was your trip?”

“Captain, CAPTAIN, MARKADAM!!!”

“Except for Crewman Stockham sneaking off to the bars I think it was very successful. Section 31 knows what the Vulcan Science Academy is up to. The Vulcans have a plan to stop a star going super nova with decalithium. They have not had success in getting decalithium so it still just a theory.”

Slowly my glass-eyed look melted and I jumped, “Sorry, Phillip, I got lost in thought. Your information fills in several holes. Doesn’t explain everything but I see what happened. The problem is I don’t know how to prove it. Thanks, Phillip. I can at least make a few recommendations to STARFLEET and consider this matter closed till the Vulcans restart the Super Nova/decalithium experiments.”

“So, we know why they want it, but it doesn’t explain how they got it.” “They don’t have it, but my contact says that they are getting it in the next couple of months. He also

USS Hephaestus

(continued next month: Report to STARFLEET)

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Terran Empire News intercepted transcript

Ask the Terran By Crewman Lewis Stockman Dear Lewis,

Dear Lewis,

My captain is unusually harsh and ruthless. He has put me in the agonizer booth 7 times in the last month. What should I do?

I am a captain of an imperial starship. My agonize keeps breaking down and malfunctioning. What is your advice?

Sincerely, Concerned Crewman Dear Captain, Always be sure to calibrate your pain inducer circuits regularly. Also, reset your pain scanners after every use.

Dear Concerned Crewman, You should amass allies on your ship then kill your captain… and assume command.

The Hephaestus Redshirt Challenge Past couple of days I have logged 15 miles by walking at Black Creek Park and walking at Target during work. I challenge everyone to get out to walk, run or play a sport. – Lt. Phillip Mangina Jr. (1st Officer), Director, Hephaestus Red Shirt Challenge If you want to get some exercise in then I would suggest scheduling several conventions where you can run around a convention center. I have a health app on my phone and most every convention half way through the day it would beep that I reached my goal for the number of step I needed to walk and the duration of being active for the day. The app is nice but the only problem is that you have to be sure your phone is on you so that it will record that you are doing something. One day I forgot it and the phone said I did nothing that day. Don’t forget to tell us what goals you are looking to accomplish. We want to encourage you to be a better red shirt. Keep an eye on the website for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Red.Shirt.Challenge/. – Fleet Captain MarkAdam Miller, Trying to lose weight. (If you have a goal for weight loss, quitting smoking or getting something done then let us know what you are working on through the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Red.Shirt.Challenge/ so we can encourage you)

You can't be open to love if you don't risk pain. – Counselor Troi, TNG: The Host USS Hephaestus

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Quotable Quotes People come to talk to you about things they want to reveal. As ship's counselor, you have to get them to talk about things they don't want to reveal. – Counselor Deanna Troi, TNG: The Loss

Ben, maybe my memories are playing tricks on me, but have you gotten stranger? Ensign Ezri Dax, DS9 Nine: Shadows and Symbols

Ensign Ezri Dax: Hi Jake. Jake Sisko: Hi. Ensign Dax: You seem taller. Or am I shorter? – DS9 Nine: Shadows and Symbols

[Riker is "talking" to Troi on his trombone] You know, this is a much better way of communicating for you. It's far less confusing than the way you normally speak. Counselor Deanna Troi, TNG: Thine Own Self

Respect is earned, not bestowed. – Counselor Deanna Troi, TNG: The Icarus Factor

USS Hephaestus

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Name the Season

USS Hephaestus

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Reviews Movies The Dark Tower – Review by Carly Strickland (passenger) I cannot be swayed by bad reviews. If there’s a movie adaptation of something I love, I will be there opening weekend, without fail. I’m not ashamed to admit that I sat through The Last Airbender in 2010 (I am ashamed that I made my brother and sister-in-law go with me). So it was with bated breath, and low expectations that I came out to see Stephen King’s saga ruined on the silver screen. Instead I was pleasantly surprised. The original novels tells a story that is epic and grim. It is serious and complex and rich. It is an incredible piece of storytelling in the most engrossing fantasy world I’ve ever read about. While I cannot say any of those things about the movie, I can say that it was a solid adventure film. It was funny and scary and so satisfying to see Roland, my grim-faced and steely-eyed gunslinger, kick some serious tail and have his heart softened in the face of Jake’s youthful sincerity. The Dark Tower could have been better. The story was simple and perhaps predictable like many Hero’s Journey tales are. Much like the first novel, this movie shows merely a glimpse into the deep and complicated mythos surrounding Mid World. Unfortunately, much of it was overly explained. Our villain, played by Matthew McConaughey, was Skeletor-griping-about-He-Man evil. And perhaps most tellingly, the protagonist was clearly the teenaged Jake, instead of the Gunslinger, for whom the first novel is titled. It’s almost as if they took an adult novel (and the novels are very adult) and made a young adult movie. If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining romp into an unusual and original world, The Dark Tower is a solid choice. Just… maybe put your thinking cap aside and just enjoy. Rating: AAAAa Spider-man: Homecoming – Review by Ensign 1st Class Donald Arnold I got the chance to see Spider-Man: Homecoming, the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’ll go ahead and give the bad news first. I was not thrilled with the way Shocker and Gargan (who will become Scorpion) were done. I really expected them to be more prevalent. Otherwise, Tom, RDJ, Michael Keaton, and company did a phenomenal job. There were plenty of Easter Eggs for us eagle eyed fans and of course a Stan Lee cameo for us true believers! The character as well as the armor for Vulture managed to impress me even though I have always loved his 90’s cartoon look and origin. Happy Hogan definitely got some good screen time and story in this film. The man of the hour, Tom Holland really blew me away. Finally, I felt like they had pulled Spider-Man straight from the panels of his comic and properly portrayed him on screen. Zendaya’s mysterious character Michelle, or “MJ” as we come to find out at the end of the film, should have a very bright future. We have Vulture, Scorpion, and Shocker set up now. Perhaps we have a Sinister Six incarnation coming in the next standalone Spidey film. I have never been an avid supporter of Tony Stark in the films but he definitely got a few points in my book with this film, showing him more as a responsible mentor to some degree or another. I look forward to seeing his engagement with Pepper flourish and to see Peter put on his new suit. However, the biggest line yet to be written is the story to come with Aunt May and Peter once she discovers his dual life. I definitely recommend it. By all means, if you haven’t seen it, go do so. I give it Four and a Half Chevrons Rating: AAAA+a USS Hephaestus

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Graphic Novels The Flash Rebirth, Vol 1 & 2 – Review by Ensign 1st Class Donald Arnold Recently I sat down and read, Lightning Strikes Twice, and Speed of Darkness, the first two graphic novels of the Rebirth Flash collection. Personally, I love the storyline and I feel like the series will only continue to go up from here. Barry deals with the return of his Wally West, the rise of a new Wally West, a whole host of new speedsters created by a speed force storm, the return of his old foe turned friend Shade, and a mysterious new speedster calling himself Godspeed. Our Scarlett Speedster manages to speed into action and win the race! I look forward to reading, Rogues Reloaded, the next issue in the series where The Rogues return from a hiatus they decided to take when the city was overrun with new speedsters. Overall, I think any fan of The Flash, whether it be television, film, video game, or comic version, will enjoy the hero’s latest exploits in DC Universe Rebirth! Rating: AAAAA

Star Trek News & More Star Trek: Discovery – at Comic Con Comic Con has become the place to show off what is coming out in the fall. This year has been no exception. CBS was there showing off what they had for Star Trek Discovery. They had a trailer for the new show and several of the cast and creative talent behind the new show. The panel was introduced and moderated by Rainn Wilson who is Harry Mudd in the new series. On hand from the cast was Sonequa Martin-Green, Jason Isaacs, Doug Jones, James Frain, Shazad Latif, Anthony Rapp and Mary Wiseman. The creative talent was Executive Producers Alex Kurtzman, Aaron Harberts, Gretchen J. Berg, Heather Kadin and Akiva Goldsman. The panel discussed several aspects of the new show trying to answer some of the criticisms of the fans. Ms. Martin-Green answered some of the diversity debate going on in fan groups while Mr. Kurtzman took up the cannon debate. They did reveal Ms. Martin-Green’s character Michael Burnham was raised by Sarek and Amanda after her parents were murdered. I read several articles on the panel but could not find a video of the actual panel. Based on those articles CBS put together a panel to calm the fears of fans. The only problem, the statements that are quoted by the article makes it sound more like CBS is telling the fans “accept what we do because we don’t care what you think.” Some fans can be a little idealist about how Star Trek should be and CBS needs to guard against those ideas. CBS still needs to be sure that a majority of the fans will be happy otherwise the project will go nowhere. Looking forward to the premier on September 24, 2017. The Hephaestus is going to put together a gathering for that night. Watch the Facebook page or The Anvil for those announcements.

Confidence is faith in oneself. It can't easily be given by another. – Counselor Troi, TNG: Loud as a Whisper USS Hephaestus

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NASA News – The Status of Curiosity – By Curtis Salors (passenger) The most current published images (at the time of this writing) created by the spacecraft Curiosity can be viewed in raw form at https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?s=#/?slide=1760. These are to be distinguished from the more popular "enhanced" images which contain edits and artists' renderings. The Curiosity is a Mars-roaming, robotic rover built, designed and dispatched by Earthlings to study the Red Planet's suitability for human habitation and the role that water would play if and when such a human settlement became a reality. The spacecraft is well designed and contains two "brains" (one for operation and the other for contingency) which are both located inside the body of the spacecraft and not the "head", which contains mostly cameras. These computers serve as a sophisticated (for Earthlings) nervous system to facilitate highly developed, spacecraft functions such as precise vertical, horizontal, and side to side tilting capability. This capability helps Curiosity remain in the center of gravity when climbing steep slopes or hills. Such equilibrium is possible due to the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) onboard which provides up-to-date information on its position. The identical computers both use the VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) and are capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from Earth directly. Yet, this is not the main way the rover communicates with Earth. The Curiosity doesn't work alone; but communicates data in liaison with the Odyssey and the Mars Reconnaissance orbiters; both of which can send Curiosity's information back to Earth more efficiently, due to their position above the red planet's atmosphere. This leveraged position allows for transmissions to take place without the planetary rotation of Mars interfering. Currently communication signals can travel between Earth and Mars at an average of 14 minutes, 6 seconds. The Curiosity is presently conducting operations on Mount Sharp in the center of Gale. Seeing that, as of yet, no civilizations have been found; neither the rover nor its cooperating orbiters are in violation of the Prime Directive. For further info see the following references: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Directive, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gale_(crater), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sharp, https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/rover/brains/, https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/rover/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosity_(rover), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Mars_Science_Laboratory#Current_status https://wwwnasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/overview/index.html https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=FRB_553746346EDR_F0642790FHAZ00341M_&s=1760

I know Klingons like to be alone on their birthdays. You probably want to meditate or hit yourself with a pain stick or something. – Counselor Troi, TNG: Parallels USS Hephaestus

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Doctor Who News – By Ensign 1st Class Matt Boyd Hello Whovians! So, the End of the series is here except for the Christmas episode where we will finally see who the new Doctor will be or not, we’ll see. What we do know is the Christmas episode will feature the first Doctor (Originally played by William Hartnell) who will be played by David Bradley (who most know for playing the scary squib custodian of Hogwarts, Argus Filch). For now, the search for a new Doctor begins! David Bradley had played William Hartnell in a TV movie titled An Adventure in Space and Time. He has played the first Doctor recently whenever he is needed. I wonder if he will be brought back; will there be a return of classic Doctor Who. They could remake some of those lost episodes for a new audience. Whovians should keep an eye out at San Diego Comic Con because Doctor Who is coming. There will be a Doctor Who Panel moderated by Chris Hardwick and featuring Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Matt Lucas, Michelle Gomez, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. By the time you read this you can probably watch it on YouTube. THE WAIT IS OVER! THE NEW DOCTOR IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!! And his name is… hold on, wait… HER name is… That’s correct, I said her! Jodie Whittaker is the new Doctor!

Seeing Stars The best place to see stars in the next month will be at Dragon Con. The list includes: Michael Dorn, Nathan Fillion, Joe Flanigan, Jonathan Frakes, Gil Gerard, Karen Gillan, Erin Gray, Christopher Judge, Stan Lee, Peter Mayhew, Gates McFadden, Danielle Panabaker, William Shatner, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Jewel Staite, Karl Urban, Garrett Wang, Ming-Na Wen and many more. This is just a partial list based on those I would love to see. Check out the Convention page about more on Dragon Con. (know of a sighting of a Star? Let you fellow crewmen know where they could have or can see Stars. Send you knowledge to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net)

Never Forget… Martin Landau – July 15, 2017 (age 89) Mr. Landau is best known in the Sci-Fi community as Commander John Koenig in Space: 1999. He also was Rollin Hand in Mission: Impossible. Martin Landau was up for the Spock character that would later go to Leonard Nimoy. Leonard Nimoy would also take Martin Landau’s place on Mission: Impossible as Paris doing similar things that Mr. Landau character Rollin Hand had done for the IMF team. He was nominated three times for best supporting actor (Abe in Tucker: A Man and His Dream (1988), Judah Rosenthal in Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood (1994)) finally winning the third nomination. Martin Landau’s great talent will be missed. Moonbase: Alpha will need to find its way home without its commander. (Did I miss a news item or news item that might be of interest to your fellow crew members? Then write it up and send it to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net)

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Ship’s Log July 9, 2017 – Captain’s Cookout

Captain’s Log June 30 -July 2, 2017 - Magic City Con

The social was well attended. Several people whom we have not seen in a while were able to come. The normal food fair was available as well as the Miller pasta salad. Carly brought some delicious gluten free cookies. On the game front, Curtis won Munchkin, Pete won The Great Dalmuti with Andi being the Great Peon and poker was a fun game that broke up with Brenda in the lead. Several people watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Captain passed out several promotions for those who had not received them at the April Cookout.

I volunteered to help at Magic City Con. It is mostly a cosplay con. There are panels on different subjects of Sci-Fi and Fantasy but most dealt with some aspect of costuming. The Con does a good job at getting a diverse group of vendors for the dealers’ room. I had to be very careful not to go overboard in my spending. One vendor stood out and that was Amanda Banks. She makes Wallets, Bags and Accessories from Recycled Paper. I bought a small purse that was made from the cover of Jungle Book (it had an elephant on it) for Brenda since she collects elephants. (Believe it or not I bought Brenda something before I bought something for myself). I hope next year that the Hephaestus, along with a couple other ships, can have a table to promote STARFLEET.

Attendance: 22 people July 27, 2017 – Exploring Trek Exploring Trek was at Kingdom Comics in Vestavia, AL. We discussed the Klingons. We covered a lot but there was so much that we did not get all the way through my planned outline. Snacks and drink were provided. We also discussed the upcoming Hoover Library Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Festival. Dean Brown, an old friend of the Hephaestus from the sister ship Rising Moon came. We had two newcomers. The live feed quit half way through the meeting so the whole meeting was not recorded. The ship will need to look at other possible ways to record the meeting live.

July 7, 2017 – Play-On-Con I did three panels for Play-On-Con. Phillip Mangina Jr., the 1st officer, help with the two evening panels. The evening panels were better attended than the morning one. All three panels went very well. The Star Trek Trivia Panel which I was worried about was very successful. I also learned a new game called Bring Your Own Book. (I bought it from Amazon and will be bringing it to the August Social to play.) This is another con we need to look at to see how it might promote the Hephaestus and STARFLEET.

Attendance: 10 people. July 28-30, 2017 – Hoover Library Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival

First Officers Log, Phillip Mangina Jr. July 7, 2017 – Play-On-Con

The Hephaestus oversaw the Star Trek panels at the Hoover Library Sci-Fi Festival in Hoover, AL. We did six panels that included discussions on Trek fans, DS9, Discovery, Data Vs. EMH, and Sherlock Holmes in Star Trek. We also did a Star Trek vs Star Wars panel. Sorry to say that Star Trek lost. We provided snacks for the panels as well; Borg cube slices and chocolate. The new annual fees for STARFLEET seemed to generate a lot of interest.

Recently been on an away mission with the Captain. We went to Play-On-Con. It was very interesting to assist on a panel. I attended a panel on Pluto and one on Space. We enjoyed the panels and hope to be invited back next year. I hope we can get more people to come and join us for PlayOn-Con next year.

Attendance: 10 members of the Hephaestus USS Hephaestus

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Personal Log Special Report By Lt James Davis

James was unavailable to submit the next entry of his log because he was training Starfleet Academy cadets in the latest fighter shuttles.

Next month, shark-infested waters!

Recommendations By Fleet Captain MarkAdam Miller The Technical Manuals every good Engineer needs. (The reason for the Bird of Prey manual is that a broken-down Bird-of Prey is the most dangerous ship out there.)

The Captain’s Top 10 Top Ten Quotes of FCapt Miller 1. 2. 3. 4.

Live Long and Prosper and I’ll see you around the ship. Let’s nuke the sight from orbit and call ourselves even. TRIBBLE FUR!!!!! Seems my list for things that give me headaches is getting longer… Time Travel, Vulcans and Section 31… What next? 5. Holy T’Pol. 6. Holy Edith Keeler; Time Travel gives me a headache! 7. qoSlIj DatIvjaj (Happy Birthday) 8. Keep moving forward. 9. nuqDaq yuch Dapol (Where do you keep the Chocolate?) 10. Shazbot! USS Hephaestus

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Crew Happenings The Captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cookout Games

Awards

Hoover Library Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fest

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STARFLEET Academy STARFLEET Academy has changed its address: http://main.sfiacademy.org/ STARFLEET Academy is using a new platform (Moodle) to make it easier to get tests and materials one need to take the STARFLEET Academy courses. If you haven’t gone to the new website yet then you will need to create a log in. I used the same one that I use for the STARFLEET Database so as not have to remember another login. Once you get your login then you can look through the course and see what they have. It also keeps track of what you are taking and what you have finished. Some of the tests can be taken on-line and will give you the grade once you submit it. Others you may still need to email your answers to the instructor. Once the instructors get use to the platform (Moodle) they can upgrade their tests so that Moodle can grade the tests which will make taking then easier. Time to hit the books and learn something. Live Long and Prosper

STARFLEET Marine Corps LGEN Neil Yawn has announced that as of 1 Dec 2017, he is stepping down from the positions of OIC 654thSG and the OIC 1st BN. LGEN Yawn stated that he had been in some form of command in SFI for over 25 years including: CO USS Hephaestus, CMO USS Hephaestus, Region 2 Chief Science Officer, 2nd BDE (Marines RC) 2nd BDE DOIC, 1st BN OIC (twice), & 1st BN DOIC. “It is just time for me to step down and give the younger ones a chance for command. No ill feelings between myself and anyone.” James, the DOIC, will assume command on 1 Dec 2017.

Semper Fi Anvil Focus Schedule

Do you know this Alien?

September: The Future of Star Trek October: Romulans November: Q, omnipotent beings (Feel free to send me an article on any of these topics. Your fellow crew members would love to know your thoughts on these.)

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Hunt for the Icon Congratulations to Ensign Donald Arnold for finding the Five Borg Anvil. If you did not find the five then they were:

cubes hidden in the July issue of The

1. Pg. 1, From the Ready Room, end of 2nd paragraph 2. Pg. 3, Exploring Trek, end of the 1st paragraph 3. Pg. 7, Will Orville Steal Discovery’s Audience, after the title 4. Pg. 9, Seeing Stars, after Kate Mulgrew listing 5. Pg. 13, in the middle of the Lego Apollo pictures We had a dust up at the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fest with some Stormtroopers at the Trek Wars Panel and lost 5 red shirts and Porthos . The first to send me the correct locations gets to choose next month’s Hidden Icon. (Blame Stan for losing of Porthos)

Name the ____ Answers We did not have this challenge in the July issue. If you have suggestions for new challenges or questions, then send them to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Answer to Do you know this alien? (pg. 15) G’Kar (Andreas Katsulas), Babylon 5

Away Team and Activity Schedule Date Aug 5, 2017 Aug 12, 2017 Aug 18-20, 2017 Aug 24, 2017 Aug 26, 2017 Sep 2, 2017 Sep 9, 2017 Sep 16, 2017 Sep 24, 2017 Sep 28, 2017 Oct 7,2017 Oct 14, 2017 Oct 21, 2017 Oct 26, 2017

Event/Time Anvil Deadline Social – 7 pm SFI International Conference (IC) Exploring Trek – 7pm Poker – 2 pm (later because of IC) Anvil Deadline Social – 7 pm Poker – 2 pm Tentative - ST: Discovery Premier Exploring Trek Anvil Deadline Social – 7 pm Poker – 2 pm Exploring Trek – 7pm

Location cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Best Western, Gardendale New Orleans, LA Kingdom Comics Evans cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Mohney Mohney Best Western, Gardendale Kingdom Comics cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Mohney Potts Kingdom Comics

ALL EVENTS AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PLEASE REFER TO THIS SECTION FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION USS Hephaestus

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STARFLEET Renewal Reminders Tiner Boyd Family Carr Family Baxter Hicks Family Youngblood-Yawn Family Davis Family Bentley Stockham Potts Family

Looking for the following people to help with the Anvil:

09/13/16 09/17/17 09/19/17 09/24/17 10/03/17 11/30/17 12/01/17 12/21/17 03/02/18 03/07/18

Lathem Green Miller Family Arnold Mohney Family Bishop Petty Mangina Holsey Lindsay Family

News Repoters Wanted For Hephaestus Anvil

Reporters for the Following: Star Wars News (assigned) Dr. Who News (assigned) Firefly News NASA News (assigned) Latest Sci-Fi/Fantasy books

USS Hephaestus

03/14/18 10/12/18 02/26/18 04/19/18 05/10/18 05/29/18 08/02/18 05/15/19 05/30/19 10/10/19

Reviewers: Books, Movies Games, Conventions Convention Scouts: Someone to find conventions in a 2 3 hr driving distance of Birmingham. Write a short synopsis and give possible websites

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Area Conventions & Exhibits For additional Cons please check out www.southernfan.com/calendar.htm

August August 18-20, 2017 – IC 2017, New Orleans, LA www.ic2017.org/ The STARFLEET International Conference is the annual members’ conference where the members of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. gather to meet the organization’s leadership, participate in panels related to science fiction and the organization; attend informational sessions, formal banquets, award ceremonies and other events; sight-see the city before and after the conference; and socialize with friends from around the world. August 31 – September 4 – Dragon Con, Atlanta, GA, www.dragoncon.org/ The largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art and film in the universe.

Does The Anvil cover stuff that you are interested in? Did you disagree with a review or point of view in one of the articles? Did we miss some news article that you think should have been covered? The staff is looking for your feedback to help us send out something that you are interested in. Send your feedback to: cohephaestus@bellsouth.net

Local Attractions (Only events relative to Star Trek are shown, Check the website for more information) Alabama Theater – Birmingham, AL - www.alabamatheatre.com Birmingham Zoo – Birmingham, AL - www.birminghamzoo.com McWane Center – Birmingham, AL - www.mcwane.org/ Southern Museum of Flight – Birmingham, AL - www.southernmuseumofflight.org/ U.S. Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville, AL - www.rocketcenter.com /

It's a strange sensation, dying. No matter how many times it happens to you, you never get used to it. – Ezri Dax, DS9: Afterimage USS Hephaestus

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USS HEPHAESTUS COMMAND STRUCTURE Command Staff

Marines

MarkAdam Miller, Fleet Captain – Commanding Officer Phillip Mangina, Lt Cmdr – 1st Officer Brenda A. Miller, Captain – 2nd Officer

Neil Yawn, Lt General, SFMC Roy Green, Brigadier, SFMC (Reserves) James Davis, Capt, SFMC (Reserves)

Executive Committee

Unassigned Crew and Civilians

Sue Ellen Mohney, Captain Denby Potts, Rear Admiral Danny Potts, Admiral

Navigation Pete Mohney, Admiral

Sciences Roy Green, Fleet Captain – Archaeology and Anthropology

Computer Sciences Danny Potts, Admiral

Engineering

Pat Hicks, Fleet Captain Mark Lindsay, Captain Pamela Lindsay, Cmdr Nicole Bentley, Lt JG Donald Arnold, Ensign 1st Class Andrew Boyd, Ensign 1st Class Renda Carr, Ensign Brenda Tiner, Crewman 3rd Class Kendra Baxter, Crewman Timothy Carr, Crewman Michelle L. Lindsay, Crewman Trey Petty, Crewman Matthew Potts, Crewman Lewis, Stockham, Crewman Haley Youngblood, Crewman Karen Burtyk, Civilian Anya Davis, Civilian Carly Strickland, Civilian

MarkAdam Miller, Fleet Captain Flo Hurst, Cmdr

Operations

Ambassadors

Sue Ellen Mohney, Captain – Chief of Ops, Counselor Brenda A. Miller, Captain – Ship Admin Assistant Lynnette Yawn, Lt – Ships Galley Officer Kris Bishop, Crewman - Linguistics

Mike Burtyk, Civilian Shirley Burton, Lt Cmdr (Retired)

Security

Retired

Roy Green, Fleet Captain – Chief of Security Intelligence Sandra Hosley, Lt

Dennis Evans, Fleet Captain Pat Simmons, Lt Cmdr

Communications

Cadet Training

Brenda A. Miller, Captain Matthew Boyd, Ensign 1st Class James Davis, Lt Dennis Lathem, Crewman Curtis Salors, Civilian

Katrina Mohney, Crewman Apprentice Tara Mohney, Cadet 1st Class Athena Youngblood, Cadet 1st Class Kimberly Davis, Cadet in Training

For More Information Contact: Fleet Captain MarkAdam Miller 1204 Southwind Dr. Helena, Al 35080 cohephaestus@bellsouth.net

Lt. Phillip Mangina 3056 Fox Trail Fultondale, AL 35068 phillip3056@charter.net