THE COLUMBIA COMLINK “To Sail beyond”
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 MAY 2010
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE USS COLUMBIA, A CORRESPONDANCE CHAPTER OF STARFLEET THE INTERNATIONAL FAN CLUB
“BOARDERS” an amazing new short story by: MCpt. Zebariah Young “
Star Trek Online, Season 1.1 Update is out. Check out the release notes inside.
A Brief Interview with RADM Glen Diebold By Lt. Jeremy DeSpain Buzz Aldrin to host WWE Wrestling
A book review on the Star Trek Destiny Trilogy by LTCMDR Randy Davis Discover what really happened to the NX02 Columbia and its crew and how Captain Erica Hernandez could not escape her destiny!
Star Trek coloring pages! And much much more!
SHIPS ROSTER
Command Staff Commanding Officer
Commodore Jason Schreck
Executive Officer
Lt Commander Randy Davis
Chief of Engineering
Lieutenant Al Davies
Chief Science Officer
Marine Captain Steven McKean
Chief of Security
Lieutenant Teshie Marie
Chief Medical Officer
Lieutenant Robert Page
OIC 133rd MSG
Marine Captain Zeb Young
Chief of Operations
Lieutenant William Phillips
Command Department Commanding Officer
Commodore Jason Schreck
Executive Officer
Lt Commander Randy Davis
Command Intelligence Officer
Ensign Paul Mastovich
Command Officer
Ensign Rob Dorman
Administrative Officer
Ensign Alan Steinberg
Engineering Department Chief of Engineering
Lieutenant Al Davies
Warp Drive Engineer
Commander Rodney Billings
Sensors Engineer*
Marine Captain Steven McKean
Engineerâ€&#x;s Mate
Crewman Recruit Kevin Turner
Marine Complement (133rd MSG) Officer-in-Charge
Marine Captain Zeb Young
Deputy Officer-in-Charge
Lt Commander Randy Davis
Platoon Leader*
Marine Captain Steven McKean
Platoon Leader*
Lieutenant Jeremy DeSpain
Medical Department Chief Medical Officer
Lieutenant Robert Page
Xenopsychologist
Ensign Katie Jackson
Pharmacistâ€&#x;s Mate
Crewman Recruit Monica Beard
Life Science Assistant
Cadet Catherine McKean
Medical Doctor
Crewman Recruit Michelle Guillet
Operations Department Chief of Operations
Lieutenant Jeremy DeSpain
Shuttle Pilot*
Ensign Katie Jackson
Operations Management
Crewman Recruit Victor Szczerbinin
Science Department Chief Science Officer Marine
Captain Steven McKean
Engineering Physicist*
Lieutenant Al Davies
Junior Science Officer
Ensign Kathy Trevino
Librarian/Historian
Ensign Heath Row
Astronomer
Ensign Kristy LaFata
Senior Computer Programmer
Crewman Recruit David Graham
Security Department Chief of Security
Lieutenant Teshie Marie
Chief Master at Arms*
Lieutenant (JG) Jeremy DeSpain
Security officer
Ensign Ryan Pelkey
External security/Tactical
Crewman Recruit Brittany Vance
Currently Unassigned Crew Members Ensign Cameron Lowe Crewman Recruit Nicholas LaFata Ensign Jessica Pehrson Crewman Recruit David Johnson Crewman Recruit Heath Row Cadet John Callender
Reserve Crew Ensign Kirk Freeman
What is SETI@home? SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data.
http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/
Learn the Klingon Language http://www.kli.org/
INSIDE THIS ISSUE! 5
Letter from the CO
6
From the XO
6
Operations
8
“Boarders” (fiction)
12 Space Shuttle Atlantis 13 Book review “Destiny” 14 Star Trek Online update notes AND MUCH MORE
The WWE Universe will be over the moon when legendary Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin guest hosts a special two-hour commercial-free Monday Night Raw live from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Aldrin will be appearing under his official WWE name "Rocket Hero". Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, has a memoir, "In Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon", which will be available on paperback starting June 1. The former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant also recently released an iPhone App, "Buzz Aldrin Portal to Science and Space Exploration", available immediately for $1.99 on Apple iTunes and App stores.
FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER Hello Columbia Crew, Here it is reporting time again. First off, I would like to say it has been another successful month with several new members joining the crew bringing our membership up to 31 members in total. We are 4 months into our shakedown cruise and only have 5 months before full commissioning. This means we have come long way and at the 6-month point I will submit the paperwork to begin the process of getting our full commission. I am planning an online commissioning ceremony and plan to invite STARFLEET top brass at the fleet and regional level to attend. We have come a long way since I first started looking for interested members in forming a new chapter. In the next few weeks, the constitution and bylaws will be published to the crew in general. This was a long process and took a lot of work on the part of the command staff but it will soon be ready. The command staff will soon be meeting to discuss an awards program for the crew so that we can give crewmembers the recognition they deserve. The crew is also hard at work on creating a new-members handbook to introduce new crew to the ship and STARFLEET. I would like to thank Alan Steinberg for taking on this project. I would also like to thank Steven McKean for taking on the role of forum administrator to help relieve some of the work on Al Davies and myself. Lastly, I want to announce we now have ship T-shirts and other merchandise for sale on our CafePress store. The link to the store can be found on our web page and I encourage all crewmembers to take advantage of this opportunity. Well, until next month. Please always remember if you have any questions or concerns please contact me. My ready room door is always open.
Commodore Jason Schreck CO, USS COLUMBIA
From the desk of the Chief of Operations The operations department is in a bit of a flux, I have just stepped into the shoes. We have the Operations website up and running, though still under construction as I decide what is going to be on the page. I want to say thank you to those that have welcomed me to this new position, and thank you to those in the department that have weathered the changes. I will be reaching out each of you in individual emails to see what you want to see happen in the department. To the rest of the crew the CoO‟s office is always open for a cup of coffee and a chat, or if you have issues that you need to vent. I look forward to working with you all. Lt. DeSpain; Chief of Operations
FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Is May almost over already? Time really does fly by faster the older you get….Anyway, some really amazing things are happening in this chapter. I have read many amazing short stories and newsletter articles and it has left me truly impressed. The Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life on Deck will travel into the future with a Star Trek spoof titled "Starship Tipton", guest starring Star Trek’s original Sulu, George Takei
I did finally get the monster maroon jacket pattern but I have not started sewing just yet. I would like to find better assembly instructions before I start; it is a very complicated pattern. Star Trek Online is rolling on as it must and I am anxious to see what the future holds for this game with such unlimited potential. I had put my name in the hat to be the STARFLEET representative on the Star Trek Online advisory council but was not selected. I will however offer my assistance to whoever gets the position. This will not take away from what I do here with the Columbia, after all Star Trek Online is a game and this Chapter is where I belong. As usual you can contact me on my email at rld.sfi@insightbb.com or message me on Facebook or the forums. Until next month “May the wind be at you back and the road rise up to meet you feet”. LTCMDR RANDY DAVIS XO, USS COLUMBIA
STARFLEET DATABASE RECORD Commander Jon Cording Race: Human Birth Place: England, Earth. Birth Date: March 25, 2877 Age: 33 Height: 6,1 Eyes: Hazel Hair: AWOL Current Rank: Commander Current Assignment: U.S.S. Columbia NCC-2049 Primary Position: Ship's Counselor (HAS RETURNED TO COMMAND THE PREVIOUS SHIP WE WISH HIM WELL)
I was born on Earth in 2877, and studied Psychotherapy at STARFLEET Academy in 2895 working as a Counselor/Hypnotherapist on Earth for 10 years. Returned to the Academy and studied Military Strategy and Tactics for three years. Entered STARFLEET in 2908 serving as a Tactical Officer aboard the USS Albion under the command of Commodore Raymond Spiteri. 2909, I transferred to the USS Chronos, a Wells class Time Ship, using the temporal warp drive to enter the year 2010 where I transferred to the USS Columbia to serve as Ship's Counselor. During the temporal warp, there was an unexpected surge of chroniton particles, every part of me made it to 2010 except my hair which is still trapped in a temporal rift in 2909. When not counseling, I enjoy spending time with my Son, riding motorcycles, swimming and skydiving. When things slow down I chill out with a glass of wine and practice bass guitar.
“Boarders” By: MCpt. Zebariah Young As the emergency lighting flickered overhead, MCpt. Young checks the charge levels on his M-10 Marine Tactical Carbine. “ Half charge. Fraggin‟ Orions.” The smell of burning conduit was thick in the air. The atmospheric systems were already working overtime trying to clear the air, but the amount of smoke was just too much. The ship was suffering from massive damage on all decks. The shield had fallen within the first fifteen minutes of the engagement. Three waves of boarding parties were already repelled and Lieutenant J.G. DeSpain was anticipating at least one more. “Lt. DeSpain, what is the Orion fleet strength?” Captain Young asked into his wrist communicator. “Two frigates, and one flight of fighters.” was the short response. Captain Young had been prepared for the first wave of boarders. He even was expecting the second attempt. When the third attack came, he was almost caught off guard, almost. But a fourth wave was unbelievable. The Orions came prepared for a fight. To take an Excelsior class star-ship would be an amazing feat for any pirate crew. And the Syndicate was definitely making this ship a target. “Status reports. Starting with engineering security.” “Engineering good.” “Torpedoes and phasers good.” “Transporters good.” “Bridge good.” So far all the critical areas of the ship were still under the Columbia‟s crew control. The engineering section was vital to keep the ship together. Torpedoes and phasers kept them in the fight. The bridge was the brain that made the decisions and controlled the battle and then the transporters…. “That‟s it.” “What‟s it?” asked the Andorian communications corporal. “You‟ll see.” said Young as he switched channels on his communicator. “Young to Commodore Schreck…” “Schreck here, go ahead Captain.” “Request permission to take our own boarding party on to the Orion command ship. Just a small team. Six men at the most.” “Granted, make it happen, Captain.” Within four minutes the plan was completed, the coordination with Lt. DeSpain was made and the six man boarding party was assembled and waiting in the transporter room. “Mr. McKean, you are to take charge of the Marine Security Detachments. You know what needs to be done.”
“Understood, sir. Happy hunting.” and the two Marine Captains exchanged a firm handshake. As soon as it broke they turned their separate ways, Captain McKean paced out the door and Captain Young stepped onto the transporter pad. Standing on the pad with the other Marines, Young began taking a mental inventory of the men and equipment he had to work with. He, himself, was carrying the same Marine Tactical Carbine he used to fend off the Orion hordes. It had a fresh energy magazine and two spares. He also had his M-3 Marine Side-Arm Phaser with its own spare magazines, as well as six photon grenades. To the Captain‟s left was Sergeant Sor‟vik. Sor‟vik was a Vulcan who‟s logical mind and coolness under fire made him an expert with heavy weapons. He carried the experimental M-114A Squad Rapid Fire Phaser Rifle. It was a slightly larger, much heavier, doubled emitter version of the standard Marine Individual Infantry Phaser. That was all the Sergeant needed to carry. Next to the Sergeant was the Andorian Communications Corporal Vetra. Vetra was carrying the same Carbine and Side-Arm as the Captain, but no grenades. But what Vetra lacked in explosives, she made up for in communications and electronics equipment. Vetra had on her back, what Young could only describe as, the most vast array of technical equipment he had ever seen outside of an engineering room. Vetra had comm. relays and tricorders and data disks and anything else that could make a computer listen or talk. The remaining three Marines seemed dwarfed in comparison to their Non-Commissioned Officers. Privates First Class Chang and Nunez only carried their Marine Individual Infantry Rifles and their M-3 Side-Arms. Lance Corporal Miller just added grenades to the load out of the PFC‟s. All the Marines had their standard issue body armor and their 133rd MSG issued Fighting Knives. “Well, gentlemen and lady, shall we go”, asked the Captain as he lowered his visor into place. When he saw the final Marine lower their visor and give the “Thumbs up”, Young turned to the transporter technician and “Chief, Energize”. In an instant the whole room faded away, only to be replaced by an unfamiliar corridor. The overhead lights where flickering and klaxons were going off in every direction. The monotone voice of a computer was rattling off an automated damage report. “We must have hit them harder than we thought,” was the first thing Captain Young thought. That was until he saw the two Orion crewmen. They were no more than thirty meters in front of the Marines, their backs were turned and they appeared to be working maintenance inside the far bulkhead. The Lance Corporal and PFC‟s had already taken aim. They maintained their discipline and hadn‟t fired, but Young could see the anxiety building on them. They looked to their Captain. Slowly and deliberately he shook his head. “Quiet,” was all he said as he tapped the handle on his own knife. They nodded their heads in understanding. And as a slow moving mass the Marines moved down the corridor, stalking ever close to the two green skinned men that were oblivious of their fate. As the boarding party drew within the last two meters Miller and Nunez slid their blades silently from the scabbards on their sides. Miller signaled that he would dispatch the one on the left, leaving Nunez to deal with the one on the right. Nunez tipped his head in agreement, and then, with the strength and speed of a leopard the two Marines struck. They wrapped their hands over the Orions‟ faces, covering their mouths and driving their blades home.
The only way that the Orions were able to express their horror was in their eyes. The rest of the team continued a ways down the corridor while Miller and Nunez placed the bodies in the bulkhead and propped the paneling back in place. “We shouldn‟t have to worry about them being found anytime soon.” Captain Young and Corporal Vetra stopped and consulted a P.A.D.D that the Corporal loaded with the Orion ship schematics, which she was able to download with some help from Captain McKean‟s science department. “Their bridge should be two more corridors to the starboard side, from where we are now. We take a right at this junction.” “Sounds good, Corporal. Chang, lead the way.” The two corridors were traversed with no incidents. It gave the Marines an uneasy feeling. Chang stated, ”Shouldn‟t we have run into someone, even on accident, by now.” “One would believe that true.” Sergeant Sor‟vik replied, “Unless all available, combat capable crewmen were sent in the boarding parties against the Columbia.” “If that were the case, how many would be left on this ship.” “Unknowable, Captain. We do not know this ships original crew compliment.” “It was a rhetorical question, Sor‟vik” Chang threw up his hand signal for stop. Captain Young ran to Chang‟s side. “What do you have, Chang.” “We‟re here.” That was all the Captain needed to hear. “Vetra, get me a scan of what‟s in that room.” Vetra pulled her most sophisticated tricorders from her mound of gear. The steady twittering of the sensors was barely audible over all the alarms that still hadn‟t been silenced. “No good, sir. The bulkheads are made of some unknown alloy. I can‟t get a clear reading. All I can tell you is that there are life forms in there. But I can‟t even discern a species.” “Fraggin‟ Orions. Alright, Corporal, get us control of that hatch. I don‟t want it to open until we open it. Sergeant, setup security down this corridor. If something so much as peaks around that corner, obliterate it. You three, stack up on me.” None of the Marines even made a sound as they immediately went to their tasks. Sergeant Sor‟vik dropped to the prone behind his weapon and made himself stable. Corporal Vetra tore a piece of bulkhead paneling down and within seconds had manual control of the Bridge‟s main hatch. Captain Young got into to position, tucked tightly against the archway, where the hatch met the wall. “No grenades. We need their control consoles intact. On three, pop the hatch. One…two…three” None of the Marines even made a sound as they immediately went to their tasks. Sergeant Sor‟vik dropped to the prone behind his weapon and made himself stable. Corporal Vetra tore a piece of bulkhead paneling down and within seconds had manual control of the Bridge‟s main hatch. Captain Young got into to position, tucked tightly against the archway, where the hatch met the wall. “No grenades. We need their control consoles intact. On three, pop the hatch. One…two…three”
The door hissed open and the Marines flooded into the open space beyond. Before Captain Young was fully into the bridge his three junior Marines had designated and engaged targets. Two green bodies flew through the air and hit the walls, while their remaining seven crewmen still had shocked expressions on their faces. But that didn‟t last long, for soon the Orions not only found their disruptors, but also cover. They cowered behind their console and workstations. The Orion commander was even hiding behind his command chair, only exposing himself long enough to fire a few random shots, and then back he would go. The flashing yellow emergency lighting was replaced by the brilliant blasts of green disruptor fire and the blue heat of phaser blasts. The Marines took what cover they could find and began methodically taking down the Orion threats. Each Marine neutralized their chosen target within just a few volleys. Seven Orions soon became six, then five, then four and then it was just the Orion commander and two junior officers, whose positions weren‟t even important. Soon there came a lull in the firing both sides slowed, and then finally stopped shooting altogether. And that‟s when it happened. “I think we did it, Cap…,” was the last thing Chang said as he rose to survey the room, and received a direct hit to his chest. The shot was perfectly aligned to Chang‟s heart. He didn‟t even finish his statement when his body went limp directly in front of Captain Young. As Young watched the last flicker of life burn out in Chang‟s eyes, he made his decision. “RUSH „EM!!!” was the animalistic cry into the quiet expanse of the bridge. And with those two words, Young and his two Marines lunged from cover and onto the remaining Orions. They barely had time to realize what was happening before the Marines were on top of them, phasers forgotten and knives draw. The chaos lasted only a few seconds. Captain Young slowly rose from the deck and began to regain control of his breathing, when he heard…. “End program.” The enemy bridge flickered out of existence, only to be replaced by black walls with yellow strips creating a geometric pattern across it. Where the view screen had been, now sat Commodore Schreck. “Well done, Marines. Very well done.” Captain Young walked over to PFC Chang, where he still laid on the holo-deck floor, and extended his hand. “Get up and get yourself to sickbay.” “I feel fine, sir.” Commodore Schreck saved the junior Marine a public embarrassment by tactfully explaining that, “Though the holo-deck is on the Columbia, it is still experimental. We need to know how a „fake‟ disruptor blast affects a „real‟ body.” Chang nodded his head said, “Then if you‟ll excuse me, gentlemen.” and left. “Alright, everyone else to the briefing room. I want to go over this whole thing.” All the Marines began to trickle out of the now dark holo-deck, when Commodore Schreck stopped Captain Young. “Can I help you sir?” With a slight smile the Commodore asked, “Captain, I‟m curious as to where you got the idea to „rush „em ‟.”
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS BY COMM JASON SHRECK May 14, marked the beginning of the end for America's space shuttle program. On May 14 the Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on what would be her final mission; STS-132. There will only be two more shuttle flights before the program ends later this year and this will be the final flight for Atlantis who over the years became the work horse of the shuttle fleet. The Space Shuttle Atlantis also known as OV-104 began construction in March 1980 at the Rockwell International plant in Downey, California. Construction was completed in April 1984 with her first roll out on March 6, 1985. Atlantis was delivered to Kennedy Space Center on April 9, 1985 to begin preparations for her first flight on STS-51J. Atlantis is named after R/V Atlantis, a two-masted sailing ship that operated as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute from 1930 to 1966. The 460-ton ketch carried a crew of 17 and had room for 5 scientists. The former R/V Atlantis is now commissioned as an oceanographic research vessel in the Argentine Naval Prefecture under the name Dr. Bernardo Houssay and finishing a lengthy period of restoration. The Space Shuttle Atlantis made her maiden voyage on STS-51J on October 3, 1985 a dedicated department of defense mission the exact nature of which is still classified. Atlantis again flew on STS61B later that year and would be her last voyage before the Challenger accident in January 1986. Following the Challenger Accident, Atlantis and her two sister ships Columbia and Discovery were grounded and would not return to flight until late 1988. Atlantis Returned to flight on STS-27 the second flight following the Challenger accident which was also a dedicated department of defense mission with a classified payload. Atlantis flew 29 more times on missions STS-30, 34, 36, 38, 37, 43, 44, 45, 46, 66, 71, 74, 76, 79, 8, 84, 86, 101, 106, 98, 104, 110, 112, 115, 117, 122, 125, 129, and 132. Among the highlights of her career is the launching of the Magellan interplanetary probe to Venus and Galileo interplanetary probe to Jupiter. The launch of the Compton Gamma Ray observatory. Made the first docking with the Mir Space Station. Made a total of 7 dockings with Mir. Carried out 11 missions to the international Space Station. And she conducted the final servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. Final disposition of the orbiter and her sisters Discovery, Endeavour, and the Test article Enterprise are still being decided. The only thing known is Discovery will replace Enterprise in the Smithsonian's UvarHazy center in Dulles Virginia. The three remaining orbiters will go to other museums around the country which will be decided later.
BOOK REVIEW: STAR TREK DESTINY TRILOGY BY LTCMDR RANDY DAVIS
Half a decade after the Dominion War and more than a year after the rise and fall of Praetor Shinzon, the galaxy's greatest scourge returns to wreak havoc upon the Federation — and this time its goal is nothing less than total annihilation. This is by far the best Star Trek series I have ever read. The Crew of my chapter, the USS COLUMBIA NCC 2049, will find this particularly interesting because the story revolves around the NX O2 COLUMBIA, the pre-federation starship shown in the Star Trek television series ENTERPRISE staring Scott Bakula. Captain Erika Hernandez, commanding officer of the NX 02 Columbia embarks on a verrrryyy long adventure spanning centuries, eventually pairing her with Picard and many other familiar characters from the Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager series The Borg go all out invading the Alpha quadrant with over 7000 ships, and its not just the Federation they are after, the Klingons, Romulans, Breen, Gorn and so many other races are affected by the invasion. Many well known worlds are reduced to ash as the Borg roll though our space. I will not spoil the ending but you will find out how the Borg actually started including the very first assimilation. This is a must read trilogy and I highly recommend it
Erika Hernandez
NX O2 COLUMBIA
Borg cube
STAR TREK ONLINE 1.1 UPDATE NOTES BY LTCMDR RANDY DAVIS THE FOLLOWING UPDATE NOTES WHERE TAKEN FROM THE STAR TREK ONLINE WEBSITE:
General The Terradome is now available to players! Take your level 45 character out into borg space and try it out! STF- Khitomer Accord - Reward mission for the "Assimilated" Accolade, is now available to players. The mission will be granted to anyone that has already completed the Accolade or to anyone that gets the Accolade from this point forward. Skyfiles across the entire game have been optimized. Sulu has been promoted! Samuel Winters is now the contact for all patrol missions. Where‟s Winters? He is located in Admiral Quinn‟s office in Earth Space Dock. The Constellation ship name has been fixed so it no longer says Cheyenne. Memory Alpha: You can now look up Memory Alpha R&D progress and recipes at any time by using the drop down on the mini map, however you MUST be standing near an appropriate console at Memory Alpha to create the item. The create button will light up when you are standing near the console. Opening the appropriate computer console at Memory Alpha also brings up the R&D UI. There are 7 areas of research. All players start with Basic. Once you max out your Basic level skill, the other 3 stores (Energy, Physical, Technology) will open up. These stores also have advanced recipes that can be learned once you‟ve maxed out the standard items. The research skill you will receive is listed to the left of each item. Items you cannot make yet, will be grayed out. The skill required to make the item is listed next the recipe component requirements. Recipes have been reviewed and number of components needed reduced in some cases There are vendors at Memory Alpha that sell basic components needed in R&D recipes Any Memory Alpha progress you had prior, will be converted to the approximate new skill amounts. Due to some store restructuring, this may mean that some items you were previously able to make may require more skill than you have now, but it will be close. UI Hovering over preset buttons will update your costume in real time. Headshots now appear for team members that are not on your map. There is now a notification messages for when an injury is automatically removed after a set amount of time passes. Ship and BOff deletion now requires name validation. The “Contributing” art for the skill picker has been improved. Fixed some issues with "for next" values for rank and grade on the experience bar tooltip. These values should all be accurate now. Missions Fixed DS9 Fleet Action from restarting in a broken condition that would sometimes make it get stuck at 7/8 force fields. The Space PvP Assault map now requires the proper score of 30 to completePowers:Miracle Worker has been updated so the chance to repair damaged subsystems is 100% when activated.
SHORT STORY FICTION BY LT DESPAIN
This is the short fiction I submitted for IN-30, figured I could share with the crew. Cadiz stood waiting quietly on the concourse. He was waiting for the shuttle that would take him over to the USS Columbia. Columbia was to be his new home for until the corps decided he should move again. He shouldered his ruck, and headed toward the shuttle once the boarding was announced. He moved in that precise clipped way that only a Starfleet Marine could manage. He acknowledged the few fellow Marines that he saw, and saluted any officers that came close enough to warrant it. He deftly slotted himself into the boarding line with no fuss. Once aboard the shuttle he stowed his baggage as specified, then ran a subconscious threat assessment of the shuttle cabin and the other passengers. He came to the conclusion that the shuttle was currently safe. He settled into his seat and his eyes slid mostly shut. He leaned back and settled against seat for the forty five minute trip from lunar station to the current orbit around Jupiter. The shuttle deposited him in the hangar bay of Columbia. He shouldered his ruck and saluted the colors. Then he began crossing the hangar bay towards a pair of marines he noticed overseeing and aiding in the basic unload and reload of a Combat drop shuttle. Cadiz stared at the shuttle for a moment; it was a sexy crouching beast, that most marines loved, armed and armored steed that carried them to battle. He loved being aero-mobile. The marines had their back to his approach, so he approached a bit wider hoping to enter into their vision before being on top of them. Both seemed to be wearing class C BDUs without blouses. He stopped behind and to the left of them wondered what would be the most tactful way to get their attention. “So how does a marine get to marine country on this heap?” Cadiz asked with a slight grin. Both men stretched and turned to face the young corporal. With a wizened smile the older of the two reached for the youngsters orders. Cadiz could feel himself being weighed and measured, and wondered which of the strike groups NCO‟s he had just irritated. He did not think this was starting out well. Cadiz handed over the orders, and watched the two NCOs as they looked over his orders. “I need to report in, I don‟t want to make the old man mad, I hear both he and the Skip are real hard cases. The younger NCO nodded and chuckled a bit. Both had the casual confidence Cadiz remembered from his drill instructors career marines to the core. “So who did you get kid?” the younger NCO asked politely. Cadiz relaxed and shrugged a bit “First loot DeSpain, scuttlebutt says he is crazy spooky, and as hard as they come. A real tough marine mustang” he shared what he had heard from the Marines cycling out of 133rd to through lunar station. “That he is, hope you like being fit, he is a night mare on fitness and looking like a marine at all times.” The younger NCO answered as the older handed back the orders.
“Through the hangar bay doors hang a left, the lifts are 16 frames down deck 12 is marine country, I would stop and talk to Platoon Sergeant Northgate first. Gigantic man, can‟t miss him. Tell him you need a complete work over before meeting the Loot, that way you meet him on the best foot.” The older explained with intermixed gestures and hand directions. The older NCO leaned a bit closer and spoke quietly with a lopsided grin “And they don‟t get much meaner or saltier than your old man, cept maybe the skipper, the Skip‟s the last of the old breed of marine, you might want to move quick though, I would suppose they know you were coming and that your shuttle has already landed.” Cadiz snagged up his ruck and took off at a run for marine country. The younger of the two looked at the older questioningly. The older shrugged and laughed reaching for his blouse, “What Top?” the older asked. “Awww nothing really Lt. hard case, just not so nice to send the corporal running like that from you cause he is now worried he won‟t be on time to meet you where you are not.,” Replied the Top Sergeant. The Lt. slipped on his blouse on and fastened it closed, “Guess I better double time it, and cut through engineering to make it on time.” He replied to the sergeant with a smile. He made good time but Cadiz made slightly better, he could see the kid moving into the platoon day room as he came off the lift. He could hear Sergeant Northgate‟s response from where he was as he moved towards the platoon day room. The sergeant had a voice like gravel being crushed by boulders in an avalanche. “So some random marine, you think is an NCO but was not wearing rank sends you running to me, and you thought this was a good idea, and decided to waste my time?” he was about to continue when he spotted the Lt. walking through the ready room door, “…Attention on Deck” “As you were gentlemen” the Lt responded with a wink at the platoon sergeant. “Sergeant Northgate, it appears we are getting new marines today, send someone to find and fetch a Corporal Cadiz Nerys for me, his shuttle should have landed about 20 minutes ago.” “Yes, Sir” responded the massive sergeant as the LT. vanished into his offices. The massive sergeant looked back at Cadiz, and asked quietly “that your unmarked NCO?” Cadiz nodded and looked dejected for a moment, then reached for his ruck sack, “That‟s him, I guess I really put my foot in it this time” “The old man‟s good people and a former NCO in the Corp before he became an officer, he likes us to work hard, and he works harder. He is kind of a spooky guy, but he has been on the sharp end. He‟s better than most loon leaders out there.” Cadiz nodded again, and followed after the sergeant into the Lt.‟s office to be formally brought on board in to the Platoon. The Lt. sat behind his desk cleaned up and looking every inch a marine officer. Cadiz moved into the room, dropped his ruck and slammed to attention a span in front of the Lt.‟s desk. Hand snapping a salute and eyes locking six inches above the Lt.‟s head, “Corporal Cadiz Nerys reporting as ordered, Sir”
The Lt. looked him over leaving him standing stiffly at attention. “Corporal, welcome to my circus, I am not sure what you have been told about my outfit, or my boss the skipper, but I will lay it out for you, at ease Marine.” With that Cadiz relaxed slightly. “You are the squad leader for second squad. I expect you to be perfect, a marine‟s marine, we are aero-mobile infantry, and we are the storm troopers, the peace keepers, the bearer of every bad assignment, the first into every hot zone. There is not a single member of first of the 1-3-3rd that will find shooting anything less than high expert is considered acceptable. You will learn to take hostile beach heads under fire. You will learn aero-mobile deployment, I will teach you to be the sneakiest dirtiest, son of a Klingon in this man‟s marine corps. Do you know what separates the first of the 1-3-3rd from a spec ops detachment?” “No, Sir” replied Cadiz The Lt. chuckled and leaned over the desk, looking decidedly evil for a moment, “A patch, just a unit patch, we are special forces, we are Marines, ain‟t nothing more special than that., Welcome to the first of the 1-3-3rd” “Ooohrah, Sir, Ooohrah” Cadiz barked, and thought „ this place might not be as bad as they said. ……A week or so later.. The flight of three Havocs screamed in low and fast. The heat wash of the over flight buffeted the front lines as the troops prepared to charge across the no man‟s land and engage the enemy. The engagement was to decide possession of a hill only known as HO-41912. Cadiz Nerys crouched and raised his rifle, wishing he was back with the rest of the company, as he and his squad were the advanced scouts for this engagement. He heard the incoming scream of the Havocs, in just enough time to take himself and his squad to cover. He was acting as temporary squad leader after the death of his sergeant in the last engagement. He felt the heat bloom from the payload dropped by the havocs spread across his crouched armored form. “All boys that‟s the invitation to the dance, and the old man needs us to be on time to the party” he said sub-vocally over the squads tactical net on the i-link, then set actions to his words and rose from cover, moving quickly and quietly towards the designated positions. The positions were designed to lay withering fire into the enemy‟s eastern flank. Cadiz wriggled forward and settled in place lifting his head to take a look at the enemy‟s positions. He was also interested in there disposition and recovery from the bombardment. He swore quietly to himself and recalculated the op-force strength. “Kilo 2 Victor, to Kilo Actual, Over” Cadiz spoke silently over the company net. “Kilo Actual, go ahead Kilo 2 Victor” replied a disembodied but strong voice in his ears. Cadiz, could picture the old man striding around with the rest of the company putting them into place and getting them ready for the assault, he was not the company commander but had inherited the company when the Captain was injured. “Sir we are in position, but there is a problem, intelligence seems to have missed the automated defensive emplacements and there are three companies of Romulan infantry not two.”
“Understood, we still need of ol‟ rocky top here, I am sorry your date turned out to be the ugly friend, but your data warfare specialist can spoof local control of the automated defenses, full control preferred, disabled is acceptable. We have Sniper‟s emplaced to your east to hit officers, NCO‟s and any other idiot that looks like he has an idea. You are their only cover, the rest of the company will be hitting the crest in 1-8-0 seconds, we have havocs in over flight in 1-6-0 seconds to lay hot and heavy on that ridgeline, Kilo Actual out.” The old man cut the conversation and left Cadiz to consider his options. Cadiz looked over his short squad, “ hot n heavy in 1-4-5 seconds, keep your heads down, we will be covering fruit pickers in the eastern trees, we are still going to be engaging the eastern flank and that reserve if it‟s necessary, while we are doing that Ramirez, you are going to get me local control of those automated defenses. Stagger your „nade load out, I want us to volley Willie Pete and Anti-Personnel Alternating as deep into that flank, we are going to pump grenades until we are dry then we are going to lay in rifle fire until relieved.” Cadiz could hear the approaching rumble of the havocs on low high speed inbound vectors, he suited his own words and buried his head to protect himself from the incoming bombardment. The over pressure from the bombardment was still coursing over the hiding spot when Cadiz stood, and spoke over the tactical net “Now” and grenades began floating out into the compact mass of Romulan troops, as the explosions began to attract attention. The grenades ran dry and Cadiz and his men start strafing the emplaced troops with rifle fire. Cadiz could see the effect of the snipers long range shot as well as the troops surged and moved en masse toward him despite the need to hold their current position. He could also see the reserve moving forward, it was about to get very dicey for he and his short squad. He could feel the attention shift of the emplaced Romulan troops as the rest of the company hit the ridge line hard on the heels of the bombardment. The reserves still were moving toward him with en masse fire. He could feel the pressure rising, “Shift fire to reserves, the flank is occupied, we need to pin that reserve in the open between us and the ridge, pray for rain.” The squad shifted fire engaging the enemy forces eight times their size. Like a matador prodding a bull they got the reserves attention and it shifted fire upon the foe the greatly outnumbered. Cadiz and his men hunkered down in the limited cover and concealment they had denying direct shots at themselves while returning seemingly a pathetic amount of return fire when compared to the incoming fire. The reserve was moving inexorably forward, inch by inch it was taking the ground slowly from the men that fought doggedly to keep them away. Cadiz cringed as Jenk was the first to fall, the fire was getting thicker and they were too few to adequately cover each other. Then he lost Holloway, Fredricks, and S‟averek became casualties. The grind was pressing hard on their position the reserve was about 20 meters out at this point, the depth of fire was incredibly heavy. That‟s when he lost Ramirez who was still working away at controlling the automated defenses. Cadiz hunkered down and switched frequencies on his i-link, “Final protective fire on my position I am being overrun.” Cadiz cowered down and covered his head as the heavens thundered and answered his cry for help. He only half heard half imagined the whispered “computer end program” before the landscape shimmered then faded into the gridded blank holodeck . “Good job corporal, that‟s a tough decision to make”, the Lt replied from just behind the squad.
“Your dismissed gentlemen, you have liberty till morning mess call” The Lt said as he retreated with a slight smile. Cadiz gathered his fellows and wondered just how long the old man had been with in touch range without them detecting him. That was one spooky officer was Cadiz‟s final thought as he left the holodeck. One spooky officer indeed, but he could not think of a better place to be than first of the 1-33rd.
SPACE SHUTTLE SPECIAL REPORT
Development of the Space Shuttle Chief of Engineering LT Al Davies “Anyone who sits on top of the largest hydrogen-oxygen fuelled system in the world; knowing they're going to light the bottom—and doesn't get a little worried—does not fully understand the situation.” — John Young, after being asked if he was worried about making the first space shuttle flight.
Space Shuttle Cut-away. Credit: NASA
The United States Space Shuttle is without a doubt, one of the greatest feats of American engineering. The original program was conceived to provide a much less-expensive means of human spaceflight for NASA , the Department of Defense and other commercial users. At 122 ft (37 m) long with a 78 ft (23 m) wingspan, a space shuttle orbiter is huge compared to the only returning part of its predecessor, the Apollo Command Module. At launch, a space shuttle and rocket boosters develops 14 times the maximum thrust of a Boeing 747 aircraft. Shuttle
Flight s
Flight days
Orbit s
Longest flight
Columbia†
28
4,808
Challenger † Discovery
10
Atlantis
31
Endeavour
24
17d 15h 53m 18s 08d 05h 23m 33s 15d 02h 48m 08s 13d 20h 12m 44s 16d 15h 08m 48s
Total
131
300d 17h 46m 42s 62d 07h 56m 15s 352d 04h 01m 27s 282d 00h 00m 28s 280d 09h 39m 44s 1277d 15h 23m 39s
38
995 5,002 4,602 4,429
First flight STS STS-1 STS-6 STS-41D STS-51J STS-49
Last flight Date Apr 13, 1981 Apr 04, 1983 Aug 30, 1984 Oct 03, 1985 May 07, 1992
19,83 6 † No longer in service (destroyed) Service History of the Space Shuttle Orbiters
STS STS107† STS-51L†
Mir/ISS docking Date Jan 16, 2003 Jan 28, 1986
0/0 0/0 1 / 11 7 / 10 1 / 10 9 / 31
Birth of the Shuttles The move towards a reusable human spaceflight program was a bold one, there were countless reasons why it had never been carried out before; cost being the most prevalent.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise rolls out of the Palmdale manufacturing facilities with (left to right) DeForest Kelley, George Takei, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, Leonard Nimoy, Gene Roddenberry and, Walter Koenig in attendance. Credit: NASA
Officially launched on January 5, 1972; President Nixon announced that NASA would proceed with the development of a reusable space shuttle system. The final design was less costly to build and less technically ambitious than earlier fully reusable designs. The initial design parameters included a larger external fuel tank, which would have been carried to orbit, where it could be used as a section of a space station, but this idea was killed due to budgetary and political considerations. The first complete orbiter was to be named Constitution. However, Trekkies and Trekkers across America had different ideas. After a gigantic write-in campaign the White House agreed to change the name to Enterprise. The Enterprise (designated OV-101) was rolled out on September 17, 1976, and later conducted a successful series of glide-approach and landing tests that were the first real validation of the design. Unfortunately for the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the tests that she performed necessitated design changes which resulted in it being uneconomical to refit the shuttle for orbital flight. As a result she was later retired.
Enterprise being launched for a test flight and landing. Credit: NASA
The first fully functional orbiter was the Columbia (designated OV-102), built in Palmdale, California. It was first launched on April 12, 1981—the 20th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin‟s space flight—with a crew of two.
STS-1 Insignia – First Space Shuttle Orbital Flight
Challenger (OV-099) was delivered in July 1982, Discovery (OV-103) in November 1983, and Atlantis (OV-104) in April 1985. Challenger was originally built and used as a Structural Test Article (STA-099) but was converted to a complete shuttle when this was found to be less expensive than converting Enterprise, according to NASA. When Challenger was destroyed during ascent due to O-Ring failure on January 28, 1986, with the loss of all seven astronauts on board. Endeavour (OV-105) was built to replace her.
Typical Orbit Altitude
220 Miles High Tyical Averege Orbital Velocity
17,250 mph Typical Orbit Period
90 minutes CGI of Shuttle Reentry. Credit: NASA
Since they were built the Space Shuttles have endured a grueling upgrade process to keep them ahead of their times, the Atlantis‟ current “Glass cockpit” now looks more like one from a commercial airliner rather than the original a Enterprise cockpit. As for the processing power of the computers built into the dash board, the original ones were stat-of-the-art when they were installed, now an iPhone has more raw computing power.
Cockpit of Space Shuttle Atlantis
See the location of the current mission (STS-132): http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=space+shuttle This article uses information and media provided by NASA (public domain) and Wikipedia (Used under the under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License)
A Brief Interview with RADM Glen Diebold Dean of the Institute of Special Operations, as well as Director of the Colleges of Special Operations, Training, Units, and Resources. Director of the College of Survival Studies, and College of intelligence Operations Deputy Director of Training SFSO USS Niagara CO Admiral, how long have you been a member of STARFLEET? 7 years last April Thank you for your answer Admiral, What do you find the biggest challenge you face as a CO? Maintaining a level of interest in projects, we often suffer from having a constant member base and the others come on random occasions So Admiral, How long have you been the Director of the Institute of Special Operations? That takes a bit to answer First I had been the Dean of the Institute of Intelligence and Espionage when I was asked if I could come up with some courses to help the newly organized Star Fleet Special Operations. Loving to do research and compile courses we (the Academy) started with the College of Special Ops. That project bloomed and when the course count in that college reached 70 courses the Academy staff felt it was starting to get to large for a college. On January of 2010 the Academy opened the Institute of Special Operations and added over 30 additional courses which had been waiting. I was moved from the Dean of Intelligence and Espionage; which I held for 18 months to the IOSF on January 1 2010. From Jan 1 through April 30 the institute has had over 2100 graduates for the courses provided As a side note I am currently working on courses for what I hope will be another college by the end of the year. The College of Law Enforcement and investigation (something I did for many years) Really well I eagerly await those new courses I am a bit of an addict, Okay a here are a few simpler questions, Admiral, What is your favorite course in your Institute and what makes it your favorite? I don’t have a favorite course as much as a series of courses Operations 138, 139 and 140 I think are memorable because it was a combination of new and old it made me think about how Special Ops uses whatever they can to make the mission work even if it means going back to riding horses and packing mules. I get interested in finding new and interesting things. I have a similar taste for things myself, what do you think of the Degree programs offered through SFA? I like the idea and was the first to receive the doctorate in Special Ops and hold 2 others. Well Admiral I am about half way to the degree myself at this point I fully understand that enjoyment. So in light of new and interesting which episode or movie would you say everyone should see and why? Because ever body is different I can’t answer that I remember we had a discussion what episode to show after each meeting and the desires were all over the target, I am a Original series and next gen fan My XO likes DS9 and my Science Officer likes Enterprise, So I think people should watch them all and decide for them selves
I can fully agree with that, Okay thank you for all your time Admiral, one final question for you, We are a chapter that is just starting out do you have any advice for the ship, crew and her officers? First get involved with the community by supporting local charity, there are many ways of doing this from raising funds to volunteering on community days cleaning up roadsides and such. Don’t just sit there and expect others to come up with ideas everybody should be coming up with ideas and be ready to voice the ideas. On a side note don’t go to members houses all the time because it gets to be a problem after a while, Find a room at a church or other public building for the meetings and most of all do things with the rest of the crew. This weekend our ship the USS Niagara is taking part in a county wide yard sale held at the county fairgrounds. The members contribute items, and about 2 hours each to working the tables. Over the last three times we did this we cleared over 400 dollars each time and we were able to contribute that money to local charities, we feel good that we have given the local cancer hospital over 600, dollars last year. Getting involved is the big thing. I would like to thank the admiral for his time, and thank his crew for being willing to share him through the academy with the rest of us. From the Columbia to the Niagara, May the sailing be easy, and the journey rewarding. …Columbia Out
Website Status Report From the Desk of the Chief Engineer USA Website Usage
As some of you may be aware, and everyone probably should be, pretty much every website you visit collects information about your approximate location (based on your IP, usually accurate to the nearest city), computer set-up (OS and browser), entry-points (the first page of the website you visit), referring websites and a few more things. Although most of this information can be easily faked, that is usually a very small percentage. This information helps web designers target their audience better and collect information on how the website is used to help improve it.
Worldwide Website Usage
Anyway, here are some stats about our website I thought you may find a little interesting:
Current Month‟s Bandwidth Usage: 1047.95 MB
292,853 Hits since new website
2,875 Visits
487 Absolute Unique Visitors
18,414 Pageviews
6.40 Average Pageviews per Visit
00:09:29 Average Time on Site
31.79% Bounce Rate
16.59% New Visitors
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
CPR facts and statistics • About 75 percent to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so being trained to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. • Approximately 94 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. • Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. • CPR helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain and increases the amount of time that an electric shock from a defibrillator can be effective. • Fewer than 30 percent of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. • Death from sudden cardiac arrest is not inevitable. If more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. • Brain death starts to occur four to six minutes after someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest if no CPR or defibrillation occurs during that time. • If bystander CPR is not provided, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival fall 7 percent to 10 percent for every minute of delay until defibrillation. Few attempts at resuscitation are successful if CPR and defibrillation are not provided within minutes of collapse. • Sudden cardiac arrest is most often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). Cardiac arrest can also occur after the onset of a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or near-drowning. • When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the victim collapses, becomes unresponsive to gentle shaking, stops normal breathing and after two rescue breaths, still isn’t breathing normally, coughing or moving.
Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car. Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one. Find out the location of first aid kits where you work. First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the Red Cross Store or your local American Red Cross chapter. Your local drug store may sell them. You may also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) 5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 1 blanket (space blanket) 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) 1 instant cold compress 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) Scissors 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide) 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass) 2 triangular bandages Tweezers First aid instruction booklet
ESPRIT DE CORPS PAGE
Junior Science Officer Kathy Trevino
Scotty: "I've never seen anything like it -- and ion propulsion at that!" http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/04may_dawn/ In this article, NASA explains their newest mission, Dawn. The spacecraft's objective will be to take standard orbit around one asteroid, and then move on to take stand orbit once again at another. A first for NASA, just as is what drives the spacecraft's engines -- ion propulsion. Dif-tor heh smusma, K.T.
ASTRONOMY REPORT: STARBURSTS Our first journey from space dock near Earth, designated as Sol (the sun) on the map below, takes us on a routine, but heightened patrol of the Romulan Neutral Zone. The USS Columbia will be traveling approximately 175 light years at a Warp Speed of 6, this will take a little more than 5 months for the ship to reach the start of our destination, not including several stops we’ll make on the way. Our voyage will take us past many interesting stars and planets. Below is a visual storyboard of some of the fascinating sights we’ll see as we sail toward our first mission.
GALACTIC ATLAS Our galaxy’s CENTRAL MOLECULAR ZONE
The massive black hole, Sagittarius A, is surrounded by thick clouds of gas, newly forming stars, and supernova remnants. The band of purple near the center of this stunning photograph is known as the Galactic Center Radio Arc. You can view this spectacular site yourself during the first leg of our journey.
Binary star system – GROOMBRIDGE 34 Located in the constellation Andromeda, Groombridge 34’s two orbiting stars are very interesting to study due to their flaring abilities. Strong magnetic fields cause these red dwarf stars to sporadically brighten to two or three times their normal intensity as they orbit each other. Pick up your protective sunglasses in the ships’ Science Department to safely view this brilliant star system. We’ll be passing by them in approximately four days.
This picture by John Simpson shows fellow Starfleet ships passing by WOLF 359.
We will be passing very nearby Wolf 359, and although it is a very faint star with a low mass, it is also a flare star. Wolf 359 is relatively young at no more than 10 billion years old. It’s location in the constellation Leo allowed astrophotographer Franz Joseph Cornelius Wolf to easily discover the star in the year 1917. It has been months since this faint star last shined brightly and many astronomers are anticipating a flare very soon. I hope you kept your protective sunglasses!
ALPHA CENTAURI Next, our expedition will bring us to the radiant Alpha Centauri. This star is actually in a binary system with Centauri A (left) being larger and brighter than our Sun, and Centauri B (right) only slightly smaller and less luminous. A third star, called Proxima Centauri (center), is thought to orbit the Centauri’s A and B. If this is proven, the system would be known as a triple star system. This flare star sends out its winks of brightness once almost every hour. NEXT MONTH: BETA QUADRANT – LEGENDS OF THE PLANETS
Color ME!