Aurora Vali Archives - Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: May 2026

Posted on June 12, 2026 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

What a post! It’s always good to remember that these are characters, and writing them more relatable and realistic can be just as, if not more important than techno-babble or explosions.

Best Post (Joint Post)

S’thenosis Gorgox & Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Cmdr. Thriss Kla’ren & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Lieutenant JG Jacob Rosen & Lieutenant JG Micheal Stevens & Lieutenant JG T’Lar & Lieutenant JG Olivia Voight & Lieutenant JG Rowan Hale & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis ie-Jia’anKahr & Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric & Lt. Cmdr. Rynn Upland & Lt. Sarah Wilson
Guest / CFCO / CSS / CO / XO / CTO / CEO / CC / COO / CRO / C / MO / CMO / SO / MA / ACEO / ACMO
USS Sunfire

For “Pop, Lock and Drop Em'”

This is a great scene that encompasses a balance between the main characters, the villains, and even the ship herself almost feels like a character as everything comes together to centre the whole story.

Funniest Post

Ensign Ozai Y’zyr & Petty Officer 1st Class Fhiri
Tactical Officer / Computer Systems Specialist
USS Firebird

For “Borrowed Knowledge”

The absurdity of everything happening in this post, as well as the dialogue, harkens back to some serious classic Trek with a few homages here and there that make it delightful and well worth the read.

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Sins Laid Bare”

A nice start to a story that could go anywhere. Will there be repercussions for the actions of her Captain? What mystery does the Klingon ship hold? Does the crew have the answers or more questions? Hope we get to find out!

MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

She is the Sunfire’s power player: A consistent high poster, with humorous, dramatic, and whimsical writing, plus everything inbetween.

Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 26 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

He did excellent work with some interesting collaborative posts, putting forth a strong showing from the beginning to the end of the month.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: April 2026

Posted on May 25, 2026 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Helle Leed
Biologist
USS Firebird

For “Starfleet 1st Day: Hands to Yourself”

It’s always hard to start something new, and Starfleet Academy is no exception. This post has everything you want in a character driven arc, from start to end, the situation, the dialogue, and character feel real and grounded.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Cmdr. Dean House & Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lt. Cmdr. Thriss Kla’ren & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Lt. JG Micheal Stevens & Lt. JG Jacob Rosen & Lt. JG Rowan Hale & Lt. JG Olivia Voight & Lt. JG T’Lar & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis ie-Jia’anKahr & S’thenosis Gorgox & Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric & Cmdr. Rosa Coy & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Remal Kajun
2O / CO / CFCO / XO / CEO / CC / CRO / COO / CMO / MO / C / SO / Guest / MA / ACFCO / CSS / C
USS Sunfire

For “Earth Pt2”

The somber beginning of this post, and the sudden gear shift when crisis arrives shows both a creative story and how when you have enough cooks in the kitchen, you can create something great.

Funniest Post

Ensign Aidan “A.J.” Reid & Ensign Kevin Mitchell & Lieutenant JG Benjamin “Ben” Dalton
IS / IS / ACIO
USS Washington

For “Ignorance and Bliss”

A great duality, when you should be professional, and you can be professional, but when you also know people’s internal monologues, it adds both great insight and humor as well.

Genesis

Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Commander Rhiana t’Aegis
Commanding Officer / Chief Security & Tactical Officer
USS Firebird

For “A Chance Encounter”

An interesting atmosphere to start a very interesting mission, with some cloak and dagger.

MVP

Commander Rhiana t’Aegis
Chief Security & Tactical Officer
USS Firebird

The Security and Tactical Officer continues to be a rock for the sim despite personal loss, showing extreme range in creativity and collaboration. She is the backbone of the Firebird.

Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 25 posts.

Most Improved

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

Another Chief Security/Tactical Officer really showing her range with highly varied contributions, with great plot twists and openings for other players.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Recordapalooza 2025

Posted on February 27, 2026 | by Charles Star | 6 Comments

We recently had one big post on community awards from outside IDF. Why not another big post on awards from within Independence Fleet? That’s what this is! We’ve crunched the numbers for everything from our July 4, 2001 founding through the end of 2025. In that time, IDF has issued 1,248 monthly awards to 599 unique characters, representing 52 different sims. Wow, what a history! Since a table with 599 people would be too big for this article, we decided to narrow it down to the 25. On a separate note, we’ll be celebrating our 25th anniversary later this year! Awards were presented Jul 2001-Oct 2005, Oct 2010-Jul 2013, and Mar 2020-present.

Here we go with our monthly awards records…

Active or recently active member
Hall of Famer

Active members of the fleet are now 1-10 on the all-time leaderboard, and include 18 of the top 25 spots. Hall of Famers make up only 6 of the top 25 today. It seems we likely have A LOT of future Hall of Famers in our midst! Also, Jenna Ramthorne has (barely) overtaken Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell for #1, with Jonathan Grayson not too far behind at #3. Long-time sims USS Chuck Norris, USS Sunfire, and USS Washington dominate the list when looking at the primary sim of characters:

USS Washington: 4 of the top 10; 8 of the top 25
USS Sunfire: 3 of the top 10; 7 of the top 25
USS Chuck Norris: 3 of the top 10; 5 of the top 25

Breaking it out by sim:

The Sunfire leads the way with 236.5 total awards, with the Washington not too far back at 220. Active sims claim spots #1-4 (the USS Liberty is at #3 overall with 96.5 awards) and 6 of the top 10–the more recent addition to the fleet USS Firebird lands right in that 10 spot with 42 awards. The USS Wayfarer is #6 with 52 awards, and the USS Albion and USS Montana sit just outside the top 10 at #11 (26 awards) and #12 (23 awards), respectively.

Breaking it down further to awards issued since they were reinstated in 2020 (546 total awards):

The Washington leads the pack this time with 155, and the Sunfire is in second place at 118.5. The Washington also has the longest streak of winning at least one monthly award, dating all the way back to May 2021 for 57 months in a row if you count January 2026. I can’t find another streak that even comes close. If the W can make it through April of this year, that would make it an astounding five full years with at least one award each month!

Speaking of the W (and a few others), here is the list of sims that led the fleet in awards each year since 2020:

In case you happen to want to see each year fully broken out, we have that too:

Since they are mentioned throughout, let’s also not forget about our other two outstanding sims: USS Churchill & USS Eminence.

Finally, I would like to thank Rook Mirtoh and Arthur Winters, each whom has served as our Director of Personnel, which is the role primarily responsible for selecting the award winners (Mirtoh, March 2020-September 2023; Winters, May 2024-today, with Ken Gillis and me filling in a few times here and there). It’s more tedious than you might imagine! Thank you for making one IDF’s enduring legacies possible!

With that, let’s keep these amazing awards coming!

Monthly Awards: August 2025

Posted on September 30, 2025 | by Aurther Winters | 2 Comments

Ensign Helle Leed
Biologist
USS Firebird

For “Anomaly: The Flame Remembers”

Written so well it’s like you’re there.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & SCPO Ronson Mitchell & Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Lt. JG Ngaza & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis ie-Jia’anKahr & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
CO / Y / CFCO / XO / CC / CSOO / SO / CSS
USS Sunfire

For “Looking Deeper”

It’s a symphony of collaboration.

Funniest Post

PO3 Thyra Kevensdotter & Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Ens. Emilynn Dove & MCPO Harris Zim
RO / CO / OO / CB
USS Firebird

For “Fool Me Once”

I definitely wanted to read this one more than once.

Genesis

Capt. Mira Rodale Lance & Cmdr. Kevin Lance & Lt. Cmdr. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. Betaras K’ner
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO
USS Chuck Norris

For “And then there was”

A great way to start the next chapter.

MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

She has been an absolute powerhouse this month with a great mix of solo and joint posts while simultaneously wrapping up one mission and setting up the next.

Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 11 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

Coming off a non-stop action month, he somehow still found a way to step it up with some truly outstanding posting.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Fiona Flores
Communications and Operations Officer
USS Montana

She jumped right into joint posts with multiple crew members, improving both the quality and quantity of the ship’s posts. She has just the right recommendations to improve the story–a welcomed addition!

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: July 2025

Posted on August 30, 2025 | by Charles Star | Leave a Comment

It’s just me, your guest host this month!

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Indecent Proposal”

Only on the Chuck Norris.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Lt. JG Micheal Stevens & Lt. JG Thalek zh’Vareth & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis ie-Jia’anKahr & Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric & Lt. Cmdr. Rynn Upland & Lt. Sarah Wilson
CFCO / CSS / CO / XO / CTO / CC / CRO / CMO / SO / MA / ACEO / MO
USS Sunfire

For “Flight of the Saviours”

A fast paced montage that hits all the right notes, even if Saviors is spelled wrong.

Funniest Post

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Zub Enel & PO3 Thyra Kevensdotter & Ens. Gianna Djokovic & Lt. JG Peter “Jinx” Kooba
CO / CSTO / ACSTO / SO / TO / SIO
USS Firebird

For “Evaluation: Security and Tactical”

When everyone has to play the game.

Genesis

None this month.

MVP

Ensign Emilynn Dove
Operations Officer
USS Firebird

The Ensign is a dynamic presence in and out of the story, writing truly outstanding posts while constantly helping others. She is the type of player the who raises up everything about the sim.

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 11 posts.

Most Improved

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

The Ensign returned from LOA with a bang, complete with excellent posts and plot twists. It was as if she had never left.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant JG Thalek zh’Vareth
Chief Medical Officer
USS Sunfire

New new CMO dove straight in with complex medial storylines. An amazing entrance–that’s how it’s done.

Recruitment

None this month.

Don’t worry, we’ll be back to your regularly scheduled host next month.

Monthly Awards: March 2025

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

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

For “Grounding Herself”

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

Best Post (Joint Post)

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

For “Wonderland”

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

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Betaras K’ner
Chief Medical Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Shots fired”

Blending action with a good sense of pace and humour.

Genesis

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

For “Standing on the Edge”

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

MVP

Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

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

Most Posts

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

For writing 7 posts.

Most Improved

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

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

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: September 2024

Posted on October 24, 2024 | by Aurther Winters | 2 Comments

Best Post (Single Author)

Lt. Soto Gantt
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Firebird

For “From The Wreckage”

An excellent post of overall story telling.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Ceilidh Parsala & WO Arlan Harlan & Lt. JG T’Kuvo
CO / CSTO / CDO / FCO / TS / ACEO / EO
USS Firebird

For “Getting Underway”

The crew of the Firebird again showing that when you mix in all the talent on a sim, the teamwork really does show and shine, well done.

Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Ens. Aubrie Fox
MA / XO / CFCO / CC / TO
USS Sunfire

For “Day 4 – Nearing Home”

When you’re writing for a mission called Lost in Space, you know there is going to but a good little but of fun.

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson
Commanding Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington

For “Shadow Games”

with two talented writers contributing to the first post of a mission, you know it’s going to be a ride.

MVP

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s CMO has a knack for posting just the right thing at just the right time, and for encouraging players outside the game to keep them inspired.

Most Posts

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 20 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

Kind hearted, consistent, and always showing respect and integrity, the Sunfire’s Counselor is truly a pleasure to have onboard.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Gale Deekros
Science Officer
USS Firebird

A fantastic writer with three new posts in short order, also active and engaged on Discord!

Recruitment

Lieutenant Owen Woodhouse
Chief Operations Officer
USS Firebird

He brought in two new fantastic writers in one month, and one is brand new to simming.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: November 2023

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

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

Best Post (Single Author)

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “The end of Q?”

Not what I was expecting!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Vrax tr’Keirianh
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / CSO
USS Wayfarer

For “Traitors be amongst us”

Great tension!

Funniest Post

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

For “A new friend”

A new friendship leads to a great post!

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Diplomacy and Debts”

That’s how you start a mission!

MVP

Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

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

Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 25 posts.

Most Improved

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

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

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Thanks for a great 2023, IDF!

Monthly Awards: October 2023

Posted on November 29, 2023 | by Charles Star | Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Q’s Last Temptation”

An interesting conversation with an old friend.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Vrax tr’Keirianh & Ens. Robert Lee Jr.
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CSO / TO
USS Wayfarer

For “Jailbreak!”

Great dialog and great action make for a great post, all the while continuing to develop the characters.

Funniest Post

Commander Michael Murphy & Lieutenant Katja Becker
Executive Officer / Chief Medical Officer
USS Montana

For “Meet and Greet”

Not laugh out loud, but a humorous introduction that creates endless possibilities.

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Halloween”

Short and sweet, but everything you want in a Genesis Post–the crew can literally take it anywhere, but with just enough backstory for consistency.

MVP

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Described by her Captain as “a simming machine,” and who are we to argue? With her second consecutive month with at least 30 posts, she continues to display superior leadership in the XO role and engages other crewmembers with joint posts.

Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 34 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

Vali upped her game, finishing second on the sim in total posts with some outstanding collaboration along the way.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Inara Senn
Chief Science Officer
USS Washington

Senn showed a distinct creative flair, adding a new element to the Washington in her first month.

Recruitment

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

Grayson brought in one new recruit, who seamlessly fit in with the crew.

You didn’t realize it was me this time, did you?

Monthly Awards: November 2022

Posted on December 27, 2022 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

As 2022 winds down, it’s time to honor the best of last month:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “Night One.”

Who’d have ever thought one could feel lonely on a Starship?

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Lt. Sarah Wilson & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. JG Blake Leone & Lt. JG Aurora Vali & Lt. Alison Haldeman & CPO Remal Kajun
CO / MO / XO / 2O / C / CC / ACOO / CA
USS Sunfire

For “Camp pt 1”

Star Trek and Dinosaurs! I love it.

Funniest Post

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Avery Coyle & Lt. Rosaleen O’Donnell & Lt. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Mark Johnson & Lt. JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / Y / CFCO / COO / CSTO / CMO / FCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Day One – Beach Games! (Part 2)”

Starfleet officer knocked out cold by a volleyball. That’s funny.

Genesis

Captain Akeno Misaki
Commanding Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Dinner Date”

Not the prototypical Genesis post, but it does a great job setting things up.

MVP

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s XO put forth another strong month both in and out of character, which is typical for him. However, this time he purposefully added surprises that continually popped up during the mission, adding another layer to the sim.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 16 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

The Ensign finished second on the sim with posting, but also advanced the plot quite nicely a couple times while also further developing the character.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

Lieutenant Avery Coyle
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For recruiting this newest member of the sim, Lieutenant Sidney Harper.

Thanks for another great year in IDF. Expect to see 2022’s final monthly awards post in early January.

Happy holidays and a happy new year to all!