Newsletter/Spring 2008

Newsletter for the Star Trek: Freedom Wiki, Spring 2008 edition. To obtain a larger view of any of our pictures in this issue left click on the picture you wish to see. To post feedback click on the Discussion tab.

To see previous editions of the newsletter, visit The Archive

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Fleet Update and Missions

• Spectre Mission: When Poachers Come to Call

USS Spectre: The USS Spectre has been ordered by Fleet Command to the Class M world Ushar Prime, the home world of the Ushari, situated close to Theta Draconis & approximately midway between the Ferengi alliance & the Cardassian Union. It's mission now is to investigate why trade has suddenly ceased in regards essential Dilithium supplies. There are indications that the involvement of a new & possibly dangerous benefactor may have soured relations between the Federation & the Ushari. Whether or not this is the case however, remains to be seen.

• Hades Mission: Tribuo Senatus

On a diplomatic mission to the heart of the Romulan empire, the crew of the USS Hades are to establish a new treaty of peace on behalf of the Federation - a very grand task indeed. As they journey across the neutral zone, a disaster strikes and the Captain is critically injured in an explosion. The pressure is on for Commander Lemar to continue the mission in his stead, but with a Romulan Warbird off their port bow, one wrong move could mean intergalactic war. Can the crew hold it together and succeed?

• Boudicca Mission: Swords to Ploughshares

The Boudicca's new Captain, Susan Rivers, is under orders to take the ship on a mission of exploration. Their first destination is the Tobias System, containing a planet with a pre-warp culture which is technologically analogous to mid-20th century Earth although with a very different sociological and political infrastructure. But the last survey of the system was some 40 years ago, and who knows what changes they may find?

• Rosenante Mission: Letters of Marques

When Prince Angkor Khamal of the Arturian people is kidnapped by Orion Pirates on his way to a peace conference that will finally end a 400 year long war, the USS Rosenante is ordered to proceed into Orion Space, locate the Prince and transport him to the Conference On Meldovia. With the lives of billions hanging in the balance and the very real prospect of War between the Orion Syndicate and the UFP if they are caught, can the crew of the Rosenante complete their mission?

• Mithrandir Mission: Wagon Train amongst the Stars

With the USS Dennison severely damaged the crew is awaiting their fate at Star Base Geneva. However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as the CO is told of this new ship that they could get, if they wouldn't mind losing 94% of their current crew. Will they? Won't they? Whatever the response, the (remaining) crew will find themselves in a situation that will tax their capabilities to the maximum.

The Art of Cursing: Understanding Klingon Curse Warfare

Compiled by Daniel Greene

Insults are an important part of Klingon Society; the worst things that anyone can suggest to a Klingon warrior is that he is soft or a coward.

Klingons love a good fight; there's no denying that. They find honor in battle, and few things are more glorious than feeling your blood burn with the joy of conflict. But Klingons are pragmatic as well. It's not just feasible to go around killing people for minor offenses. Even Klingons refrain from casually taking a mek'leth and gutting someone for accidentally bumping them in the corridors. And yet, honor demands some kind of response, ideally one that won't cause a dramatic decrease in the Empire's population. The solution is Curse Warfare.

Don't misunderstand; it might be fatal. Curse Warfare (Mu'qaD veS) isn't simply unleasing a torrent of profanity on your opponent. There's no honor in being crude, no glory in simply reciting a string of swear words. True Curse Warfare is an art form, a barrage of wit made up of words just as sharp as the gleaming edge of a warrior's bat'leth, and just as likely to cut deeply. It can take years of practice to truly excel at Curse Warfare, though inspiration and the heat of the moment can take you far. Let's look at some of the Basics.

Enraging a Klingon to take physical action against you during a bout of Curse Warfare is a victory, provided you survive it!

First be aware that Klingon Curse Warfare is different from it's Federation parallels. Classic Human taunts such as 'your mother wears army boots' (QI' Damsey TuQ SoSlI') and 'you throw like a girl' (bIchuHDI' be'Hom Darur) are ineffectual and apt to be meaningless. Of course mother wore army boots: she served in the military, with honor and distinction. And it's well known that Klingon women are exceptionally gifted at hurling projectiles, as any reader of Klingon love poetry can attest. Put simply: don't expect to use Human experience to help you here. Instead, you need to start afresh.

Name-calling is probably the lowest form of curse warfare. It's the simple application of a metaphor and depending on the level of detail can be quite effective. And detail is definitely the key. For example, it is only mildly insulting to call your opponent a targ. While this is hardly the most flattering of comparisons (targs are pretty stupid), there are many valuable uses for targs. They make excellent pets for children, and can even be trained as security beasts to protect a household. Where's the edge in that? Because you've left too much room for interpretation, the insult has little sting. To make this an effective barb you need to elaborate. Try calling your foe a Targ so stupid that after gnawing off three of it's own legs it still has one left in the trap. There's no room now for a positive spin. This is a definite insult.

Calling into question your enemy's abilities and attributes is also a good technique, particularly if you can do so in a way that detracts from his honor. There's nothing shameful in being bested by a superior opponent, but it's humiliating to a Klingon to taste defeat at the hands of a lesser being. Thus, suggesting that your foe enjoys killing Ferengi because he can pay them to fall in battle implies that he couldn't take them out any other way. Such a remark can be devastating. To make your attacks even fiercer, direct them not at your opponent but at members of his family instead. Impugning the honor of one's family, especially if they're not present to defend themselves, is doubly effective. According to Marc Okrand's (the inventor of the Klingon Language) 'Power Klingon' audio cassette, one of the most damaging curses ever hurled was 'your mother has a smooth forehead' (Hab SolI' Quch).

Judzia Dax and Worf's relationship became more stormy as they became intimate, prior to their wedding.

Next be sure to take full advantage of Klingon cultural norms, and juxtapose your enemies everyday behavior with the unthinkable. Hint that as a baby he was so frail his parents put tribbles in his crib so that he wouldn't hurt himself. Offhandedly mention that he likes his serpent worms dead, (Heghpu'bogh qagh'e' DanaS) and eats his tobbaj legs burnt (to'baj 'uSDu' meQlu'bogh DaSop). Such implications are mortifying to Klingons.

If you manage this correctly, a Klingon can become so enraged as to lose all composure and respond with a physical attack instead of returning a verbal volley. Such an attack lacks all honor and will heap more shame upon your opponent. This is a great feat should you survive to appreciate it.

Arguments between male and female Klingons often lead to mating. Klingon courting behavior is exceptionally aggressive, and couples routinely trade insults, and even fight, before becoming intimate.

Finally be aware that, while you can not dare a Klingon to do something, in a unique twist to Klingon psychology, it's trivially easy to goad one into almost any action. A simple dare will not only meet with disdain, as most Klingons will feel no obligation to prove their honor or skill to a mere Human and even daring a Klingon to 'prove' himself by facing a ridiculous challenge or insurmountable odds will at best evoke an aphorism like 'the wind does not respect a fool' (qoH vuvbe' SuS). The key to getting a Klingon to do what you want is to suggest that he's actually afraid to do it. Even the slightest hint of possible trepidation is a challenge to a Klingon's personal honor. This is why the suggestion of fear can result in a powerful round of curse warfare. No self-respecting Klingon can admit to being afraid of anything, and the more ludicrous you make the object of his supposed fear, the more provocative the insult.

Keep this in mind should a Klingon ever confront you with a physical challenge. Hopelessly outmatched, your only chance might be to say something like, "Yes I suppose we could fight with weapons... you're obviously afraid to battle me with words." Nothing will cause a warrior to drop his disruptor faster and you just might survive the encounter.

Resources:

• Star Trek: The Klingon Way 'A Warrior's Guide' by Marc Okrand ISBN 0671-53755-5
• Star Trek: The Klingon Dictionary by Marc Okrand ISBN 0671-96951-X
• Star Trek: Power Klingon by Barry Levine and Marc Okrand (Audio Cassette) ISBN 0671-87975-8

Get to Know Dave Cherrington

Dave Cherrington plays Dr. Jonas Lemar as the First Officer on the Nimitz and then more recently on the Hades. He lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.

Dave with Rhianna, the favorite one of his four cats. He has asked that we don't let his other cats know that.

What is your favorite color, food, drink, movie and book?

Blue, Lasagne, Malibu & Coke

I'm afraid I don't have a single favorite movie or book, so can I answer Lord of the Rings Trilogy for Movie, and Chronicles of Thomas Covenant as the books by Stephen R. Donaldson

What do you do for a living?

I'm an Office Manager For a company that deals in vehicle finance. I guess you can say we're a broker of sorts. We source vehicles directly from the manufacturers to get extra discounts, and with our relationships with the big finance companies, we offer their vehicles to customers at a monthly rental over a term of 2-3 years. It's my job to make sure the cars get ordered and delivered, and to make sure all the finance paperwork is done and is in place to get paid. There is customer service type stuff too. We do a lot really. I manage three other members of staff.

When did you first join ST:F?

I still have my posts from the academy. It was around about 04/15/05 when I started the academy. I don't think I was in there for longer than a fortnight, which is when I joined the USS Nimitz playing the role of the Dr. Jonas Lemar as the ACMO.

Who was your instructor?

Actually, I had two. My first was none other than Jeremy with Admiral LoDona. Yes that's right, I was taught by the best! However, something came up and he couldn't keep up with my training; you know how J gets! So then I was ordered to report to Lieutenant Thrall played by none other than our loving CO Al Muir.

What do you like best about ST:F?

The thing I like best is the way you can immerse yourself in another world and do all sorts of things you just wish you could do. I am a big fan of Star Trek so this is really good fun for me.

How do you like being in command?

Command is a great position to be in. I love every bit of it and can't imagine not wearing those three pips! To me, the most important part of it is to make sure you get it right for the players on your ship. It's all too easy to get carried away with yourself, because lets face it - you have the power to do basically whatever you want...

What is the most important part of being in command?

Listening to your players is the most vital part of being in command. The relationships you build are very rewarding, and the opinions of the others on your ship are extremely important if you are going to command a successful mission.

Are there any other command pointers that you could share?

Well, I guess just to keep an eye on the posting and recognize when a player is struggling. Sometimes a low post count only needs a few tags here and there to pull said player back into the mission and back to top form. Be willing to spend time with those who are struggling, and with a little luck and effort that player will be in the thick of it in no time and posting like any other. It's all about the players. Simple. People think that command is about story lines and difficult things. It really isn't.

Who is your favorite Star Trek actor and why?

My favorite actress has to be Kate Mulgrew. Not only because Janeway was the first female Captain, but she just had a fun loving side to her that I don't really think any of the other Captains had. She was firm when she needed to be, and you knew when not to cross her. I think I just loved everything about the attitude of that character. Plus that hair was amazing. It very rarely moved out of place when the ship buckled about in battle. I think they should have had her in a Star Trek movie, although they made Janeway an Admiral. Just think of the kick*** attitude she'd have with that title behind her!

Dave Cherrington: What a good looking fellow!

Do you aspire to write and publish any of your own stories one day, such as an ST novel or perhaps some other short stories in another genre?

Not really. To be honest I don't really have the patience for anything that in-depth or lengthy. Besides, I never really thought of my writing as good enough for anything like that. I only got B's in English at school! I often wrote short stories when I was younger, even as far back as High School. I guess playing something like this is the obvious next step. I don't really intend to take the giant leap into professional writing.

If you had the power to change something in the real world, what would it be?

If I could, I would create a utopian society like that which exists in the imaginations of every Star Trek fan across the globe. The idea of the Federation, and of living to better ones self, rather than having to earn wages and food and a place to sleep is very appealing, and if I had the power I think I would create that for everyone.

Other than writing up posts for the game, how do you like to spend your free time?

In typical nerd fashion, I like to play computer games. Right now I am playing a lot of 'Sins of a Solar Empire'. I also love to spend time in the gym - these days I spend about 90 minutes every weekday. I love to listen to music too. Right now I am loving the recently appointed American Idol winner David Cook. I also love to watch the TV. I have a Sky+ box which lets me record all my favorite programs and watch them when I like, so I store up a lot of stuff through the week and usually watch it at the weekends

What are your favorite shows on television?

My favorite programs are Battlestar Galactica, Lost, and Desperate Housewives. I also love Stargate SG-1 & Atlantis but those series aren't showing at the moment.

Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy other than writing?

Hades First Officer Commander Dr. Jonas Lemar

Not really, If I am honest. Computers have always been my main thing, ever since school. I actually studied at College and University to go into the field as a career, but I made some difficult choices back then, and dropped out of University. So these days all I do with computers is play on them. Occasionally I like to tinker about inside of them, but not very often.

How has ST:F impacted your life for the better? Or has it made your life more difficult?

I think ST:F has impacted my life for the better because I have a real interest that actually forces me to use not only my imagination, but my people skills too. Rather than just staring at a TV and having limited brain activity like some, I think it is amazing exercise for the brain. I think it makes you more imaginative and it can show in your personality too. I also think it helps to build confidence. If people like what you do and how you do it, you feel better about it, and about yourself as a whole.

At the same time though, it can make life more difficult, especially being in a command role. Doing something like this comes with a set of responsibilities that you can't just turn off because people are relying on you to be there to support them and play along. Right now though, I think I have found that right balance that lets me spend enough time without hearing complaints from my other half.

The difficulty it can bring is that it’s time-consuming.

Where do you get your ideas from for the setups of the storylines?

To be honest, it is just brain storming with Al. An idea will just pop into our heads and if we like it, then we develop it over time. Often it is down to Al to come up with the idea for the mission, and then I search my imagination for something cool that I think should happen, then I create a mission outline. I usually start with the end in mind and work backwards, the same way I write posts.

You write your posts by working backwards?

Yes, in a fashion. I usually know what the outcome of that post will be, so I start with the speech. I figure out what I want to be said by each character in the scene, and where I need replies, and then I usually fill in the rest with descriptive writing. I don't always write like this, but if I am stuck with exactly what to write then this usually works a treat for me.

Sometimes (rarely) I know exactly what I'm writing and it all comes out in the order you'd expect, but I often find this method works well for me, especially when I have writer’s block. Being in command with writer’s block is not a good combination.

Thank you Dave and we hope to see you here on Star Trek Freedom for a long time to come!

Televised Report on the Earth Alone Movement with Ann Dreud

This is a little creative writing done by one of our newer players Mathieu Raymond.

The famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, Earth

2408, April 9th, 1100 hours

[Open camera shot to the Eiffel Tower, scanning the air around Paris, passing by the Arc of Triumph, then heading towards the Federation Presidential office and Council chambers. At the gates outside, a throng of protesters mill around peacefully chanting, some holding placards. Ann Dreud is a star reporter in Europe from Germany. Her off-screen voice is instantly recognizable.]

You might not have heard about them, unless you read all the odd bits of news for the past few months. But since yesterday, the world over, and many other systems know of their plight.

[The camera pans to the tall, blonde woman with pale grey eyes and conservative suit to match.]

Yesterday, Lori Gravenhurst, who had been protesting with the group behind me for more than three months, rode in her vehicle up to the gates at speeds in excess of 100 kph. The outer security fence was badly damaged, but Ms Gravenhurst was killed as well. What did she die for? We asked this very question to the leader of the protesters, a group called the Earth Alone Movement. Mr. Uzanda Dwyon has come from the Pan-African League to Paris, almost a year ago now, and has been granted audience to the Federation Council on three separate occasions. He has agreed to speak with us today about this tragedy.

[Fade out. A second of darkness, then fade in to a large office, most probably in a nearby hotel of Paris. The Rococo style of the furniture and decoration speaks of the city’s history. Both Ann and Uzanda’s chairs are set at a 60 degree angle, with a coffee table between them. A tall glass of cold water sits within reach of each of them. Uzanda Dwyon wears traditional Rwandan garb, very colourful with a decisive, manly cut. He is a huge man, square of jaw and shoulder, with strong arms and a slab of a chest. His face is strangely soft and composed, and amiable.]

Sir, did you know Miss Gravenhurst?

“Yes, she had been here every day, when most of us only show up every other day or so.”

And do you have any idea why she could have done such a thing?

“I think its grief. Ever since she lost her son in the Civil War, she had been looking for a way to be heard.”

Do you think this will damage the image of your group?

Arc de Triomphe in the city of Paris, Earth. The city and its architecture have been witness to a large number of peaceful protests in the aftermath of the UFP Civil War.

"It might. It gives us a lot of exposure, and we can finally expose our agenda to the world at large."

Virtually no one knows what you are protesting for, would you like to take this opportunity to address the world, Mr Dwyon?

“Gladly, Ms. Dreud.” Dwyon turned directly to the camera, his dark complexion a striking contrast with the rash of colors in which he was garbed. He composed himself for just a second; his eyes seemed to glow with warmth and appeal. “My fellow humans, please listen to our plea, and see it for what it is. Do not misinterpret our words, for our message is not one of hate.” Another brief pause. “Not too long ago, Civil War raged in our skies and we have paid a terrible price. They say we are free again, and we are all glad for this. But was the price of freedom too high? We say yes.”

“Too many of our sons and daughters have paid with their lives, and it is our opinion that we cannot go on this way. As soon as the fighting started, what did Starfleet do, however? They sent out their ships, filled with more of our children, playing at soldiers. This cannot go on.”

Dwyon continued, “It is no great secret that the Starfleet is mostly populated by humans, from various colonies, but Earth swells its ranks, unmistakably. We want them to come back here, and stay with us. We demand that our dully elected representatives speak with our voice and recall our people back to Earth. This is a time for introspection, to work on achieving better unity so that this kind of schism does not happen again.”

“Fellow species, we ask of you to respect our wish for isolation, and let us be. Please, leave our planet peacefully, as we do not wish any more bloodshed.”

Are you saying you want all non-humans off the planet?

"We couldn't ask that everyone leave, of course. But we would be in favor of keeping a small delegation for the time being, until the Federation offices are relocated to another planet. We believe this would be the best for our planet for the time being."

You say for the time being, what do you mean exactly?

“There might come a time again when we have rebuilt our infrastructures, when our system is strong and confident again, and we can re-open the lines of communication, and eventually step back into the interstellar arena.”

Protesters are organized as the Earth Alone Movement. They claim to have 15 million signatures on their petitions.

When you say we, are we just talking about the small group of protesters, or do you have links to larger organizations?

“We have been able to amass 15 million electronic signatures on various petitions. Our concerns are shared by many.”

Thank you, Mr Dwyon. [Turning to the camera] From Paris, this is Ann Dreud reporting.

Fade out.

2408, April 10th, 1600 hours

[Slow pan of the Federation Council chamber. Off screen voice again.]

Following our report on the Earth Alone Movement, we are pleased to bring you an update on this topic. As you are about to see, the Movement has gathered support in the higher echelons of Starfleet. Today’s schedule includes an intervention by Commodore Chiswyck. Let us review what has been discussed during this intervention.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, I thank you for the chance to address you. None of you are unaware of the recent events that have rocked the sector. Considering this, we have had to over-extend ourselves to keep the fleet manned. I represent a faction within the fleet that would like to request that we recall our personnel, foster our strength and make sure we can actually defend ourselves. We need to rebuild and make sure that we are not in such a weakened position. We need to fill the void left by all the seasoned officers that were either killed in the fighting or are awaiting trial.”

The debate raged for hours and no understanding has come to pass between the various factions of the Federation as to the exact meaning of the Commodore. Questions ran long and winded, and it remains to be seen how strong of a support this type of opinion has, not only among the population, but also within the establishment.

From Paris, this is Ann Dreud reporting.

Star Trek Phase II Enemy: Starfleet and Blood and Fire

Compiled by herbalsheila

Kevin Pereira and Barbara Luna

Star Trek New Voyages, renamed as Star Trek Phase II, has been planning its newest webisode Enemy: Starfleet guest starring Barabara Luna and Kevin Pereira. The story was written by Trek author Dave Galanter, from a story developed by him and fellow Trek writer Greg Brodeur. Enemy: Starfleet will be directed by Kevin Rubio. Filming is scheduled to begin June 2008 at the Retro Films Studio in upstate New York.

Guest star BarBara Luna is best known to Trek fans for her unforgettable role as Lt. Marlena Moreau in TOS episode, Mirror, Mirror. She had starred as the widower of the Admiral who had been trapped in the past in STP2's production of the webisode In Harm’s Way about time distortions that allowed the planet killers to run amok and destroy the Federation.

Blood and Fire starring James Cawley, Ben Tolpin, John Kelley, and guest starring Denise Crosby

"Details about BarBara’s role will not be released pending the shoot, but this will be a very surprising role for fans. This role will be very unlike her appearance in our first episode; it will be much more substantial than her guest appearance in In Harm’s Way," said Executive Producer James Cawley.

Remember Lt. Kevin Riley? His role was first made famous by actor Bruce Hyde in the TOS episodes, The Naked Time and The Conscience of the King. In Enemy: Starfleet Kevin Pereira will be reprising the original role of Kevin Riley.

G4tv network personality Kevin Pereira is the host of Attack of the Show (AOTS), which features reports on technology, gaming, entertainment, and all sorts of news from the digital world and the Internet. Pereira himself has developed gaming sites and audio productions, being a pioneer in the fast growing and ever changing Internet and gaming cultures. He has written, produced, and hosted a number of television productions.

"Kevin is a mainstay at G4tv," said James Cawley. "We are excited to have him on the set and I think it will be a blast to have him play another classic Enterprise crewmember."

STP2's soon-to-be-released webisode Blood and Fire Parts 1 and 2, was written and directed by noted Trek author David Gerrold with teleplay by Carlos Pedraza. It had originally been written for possible use on Star Trek: The Next Generation but never actually filmed because certain studio executives had a negative reaction to its positive depiction of an openly gay couple. It was eventually adapted by Gerrold into a standalone novel. Years later, an AIDS allegory would finally be included in a Trek episode, namely the Star Trek: Enterprise episode Stigma.

Pursued and damaged by repeated Klingon attacks, the crew of the Enterprise must respond to the distress call from a Federation research ship. In a matter of hours the ship and crew will be consumed by a nearby star and the crew of the Enterprise will be consumed by a mysterious horror that threatens both ships as the Klingons watch and wait.

Guest starring Denise Crosby, Evan Fowler and introducing Bobby Rice as Ensign Peter Kirk, nephew of the Captain, Blood and Fire was filmed in June of 2007. It is still in post production and the release date is slated for sometime in 2008. Exact release date is currently unknown.

To see their webisodes now displayed as live streaming video on the Internet go to [[1]].

Counselor's Corner

Counsellor Laan A'Ders

Featuring Laan A’Ders

Do you have any problems? Do you want advice on anything plaguing your honour? Write to our resident Klingon Counsellor.

Update on Star Trek: Of Gods and Men

Star Trek: Of Gods and Men

by herbalsheila

The long anticipated and greatly acclaimed work of Jack Trevino, Skye Conway and Ethan Phillips, produced by Tim Russ, starring Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Gary Graham, Alan Ruck, Tim Russ, Garret Wang, JG Hertzler, Chase Masterson, Crystal Allen, Ethan Philips, Lawrence Montaigne, Cirroc Lofton, William Wellman, and Grace Lee Whitney now has a release date for Part III.

Part III of the highly-praised internet webisode Star Trek: Of Gods and Men will premiere on Saturday, June 15th at 5:01 pm Eastern Time.

Please note: there may be a possibility of Part III being released earlier than June 15th. Check back for more updates.

The surprising conclusion will be as good as Parts I and II, from what little snippets I have seen of it so far.

To view Part III in June 2008 or to see Parts I and II go to http://www.startrekofgodsandmen.com. Click on the appropriate link, give your email address, and an email with a link in it will be sent to you. Open the link and voila! The joy of new Star Trek can be yours again.

Starfleet Chef's Galley

contributed by Lorna Appleby

One version of Vulcan Plomeek Broth

Plomeek Soup

Ingredients

2 Tbs. butter

2 or 3 medium onions, peeled & sliced

1 lb. carrots peeled & sliced

1/2 lb. turnips peeled & sliced

10 oz. potatoes peeled and sliced

5 Tbs. tomato paste

4 cups water

2 cloves sliced, or minced, garlic

2 1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. dried basil (or 1 1/4 fresh, finely minced)

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. pepper

Sour cream and finely chopped parsley for garnish. For a spicier version, use cilantro or Chinese parsley.

Directions

Sauté the onion in the melted butter in 4 quart pot. Add everything *EXCEPT* the last cup of water, the sour cream, and the parsley.

Simmer covered 15 to 20 minutes, (25 over medium heat stirring occasionally) or until potatoes and carrots are tender.

Purée the soup with a blender 1-1/2 to 2 cups at a time rinsing the empty pan with the reserved cup of water to get any remaining purée, and add this to the soup.

Return the soup to the rinsed-out pot and reheat it before serving (use a very low heat to prevent scorching the soup). Ladle into bowls. Place sour cream in center of soup and using a spoon pull it into a spiral (Like the galaxy) and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley along the sour cream. Serve immediately.

Trek Book Review

contributed by herbalsheila

Star Trek Star Charts: The Complete Atlas of Star Trek

written and illustrated by Geoffrey Mandel

ISBN 0743437705

Back cover:

"...all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by."

From the earliest days of exploration, there has always been one tried-and-true way to navigate through uncharted reaches and one to find the way home - the stars. Ancient mariners prized thier star charts, knowing that they could guide them safely into a friendly port or lead them to the riches of the mysterious East. Modes of transportation have changed bu the stars are still our constant. When man took his first step into space armed with the very latest in computers, he took with him the same tool for reading the stars that the men who sailed under canvas carried.

When humans launched the first ship designed for long range missions into the deep waters of interstellar space, the Vulcan High Command provided their star charts for the Enterprise. But Jonathon Archer was not content with relying on the known. Although he used the Vulcan charts, he also added to them, and greatly expanded Starfleet;'s knowledge of the galaxy. Every generation of starship captain that followed has built on Archer's first steps.

Follow the course set by Archer, Kirk, Picard, Sisko and Janeway. Relive their extraordinary adventures as you find here, for the first time, the star maps that chart the routes these famous explorers took.

Loaded with great color illustrations, this book includes star spectral classes, planet classifications, comprehensive explanations of 3 dimensional spatial sectors, the worlds and civilizations listed in each quadrant, trade routes, demilitarized zones, and Klingon, Romulan, and Dominion territories. The Borg Unicomplex on the journey of Voyager is well documented and charted.

If you play a command line or science officer this may be useful in giving you some technical data important to your ship's mission. This data is based on real world space discoveries paired with the Star Trek television shows and films, and can add some realism into your role playing.

Words of Wisdom

Failure is not falling down, it is not getting up again. - Liz

We are all continuum creatures. As above so below. Simultaneously we exist from the simplest cell to the mind of God. Jim McCrary