Tag: Dean House

The Record Book Has Been Rewritten

Posted on | by Charles Star | 3 Comments on The Record Book Has Been Rewritten

With 2022 in the books, it’s high time we checked in with the latest version of the IDF Record Book over on our About page. As it turns out, we have a new all-time leader in monthly awards. Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell of the USS Sunfire now has a grand total of 29.83 awards, passing the previous leader, Jenna Ramthorne (of a prior version of the Sunfire), who has 24.83. What’s even more incredible, is that both characters are played by the same person!

Best PostFunniest PostGenesisMVPMost PostsMost ImprovedRecruitmentTotal
Durnell5.055.78414129.83
Ramthorne4.83415124.83

Prolific across multiple award categories, the two stat lines seem to mirror each other. However, the difference is clearly Durnell’s five plus Funniest Post awards to Ramthorne’s zero. See what adding humor to your game can do! Congratulations to Lieutenant Durnell on this incredible accomplishment!

As it turns out, we have quite a few current or recent members who have moved up leader board since we brought the Awards back for March 2020:

Active Member — received an award within the last year or confirmed to currently be on a sim
Hall of Famer

All characters with five or more total monthly awards

In addition to all those who’ve won awards, I also want to thank each of our sim Commanding Officers for submitting nominations month-in and month-out and to Rear Admiral James “Rook” Mirtoh for running the program and selecting winners. Without their tireless efforts, the awards simply wouldn’t be possible.

I’ve long been of the opinion that the monthly awards are one of the absolute best features of this fleet, and they’re a key bonus that really distinguishes us from other groups out there. The numbers speak for themselves: Through the end of 2022, we have 969 total documented awards presented to 506 different individuals through 1,226 different award records. Each one is permanently part of our continuing history, starting all the way back with the five original awards presented for our very first month of July 2001 going up through today and beyond.

Now it’s time to add your legacy to the story…

Monthly Awards: December 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: December 2022

Welcome to 2023, folks! However, it’s time to honor the best of the end of 2022…

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Introspection”

Wonderfully written reflection post.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lt. Thriss Kla’ren & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis & Lt. Thomas Hadleman & SCPO Ronson Mitchell
CSS / CEO / SO / CDO / Y
USS Sunfire

For “Jump Start”

One word: Raptors.

Funniest Post

Crewman Patin & Commander Dean House
Guest / Second Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Uber ride”

Two words: Great banter.

Genesis

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

For “Something’s Afoot (Part 1)”

Three words: Now that’s how you start a mission! Wait, I suppose that’s more than three words.

MVP

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

After winning Most Improved last month, the Washington’s Intelligence Officer takes home the MVP this time. Although newer to simming, she has expertly integrated herself into the veteran crew, frequently pushing through and collaborating with others on excellent posts.

Most Posts

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Computer Systems Specialist / Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Wayfarer

Lt. Mckenzie really stepped up her game in December, pushing forward some great ideas while showing both her writing ability and how to work well with the rest of the crew.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

I hope everyone’s year is off to a great start. Keep up the great posting.

Monthly Awards: November 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: November 2022

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!

Monthly Awards: September 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: September 2022

Here are your latest monthly award winners…

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Structural/Environmental Specialist
USS Wayfarer

For “Meeting the Neurosurgeon”

A nice detailed post about a visit to sickbay, along with a little love in the air.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Captain Shran dh’Klar & Lieutenant Commander Callie Raven-Grayson & Ensign T’Plana-hath & Ensign James Phoenix & Lieutenant Seth Travis & Lieutenant JG Tarja zh’Rhun
CO / CC / IO / TO / CDO / MO
USS Washington

For “Moves and Countermoves”

This post is great because of the build up to the action. Well done!

Funniest Post

Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Dean House & Lieutenant JG Blake Leone & Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Crewman Patin
CO / 2O / DO / CSS / Guest
USS Sunfire

For “Survival 101 pt 2”

Survival is not for the weak! Hilarious!

Genesis

Captain Akeno Misaki & Commander Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lieutenant Rosaleen O’Donnell & Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie & Lieutenant Mark Johnson & Lieutenant JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / COO / CSTO / CMO / FCO
USS Wayfarer

For “The First Morning”

A perfect start to a simming mission!

MVP

Commander Dean House
Second Officer
USS Sunfire

House successfully pushed the mission forward when momentum was lacking by getting others involved into the story, focusing on plot development. He also recruited the Sunfire’s newest member.

Most Posts

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

For writing 14 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

Pulling double duty as both herself and an integral NPC, she has has shown both great versatility and target focus.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant JG Blake Leone
Diplomatic Officer
USS Sunfire

Leone jumped into the Sunfire’s main plot with a bang, working well with the existing characters and finding her niche in the crew. Splendid!

Recruitment

Commander Dean House
Second Officer
USS Sunfire

For recruiting Lt. Leone, who went on to win Rookie of the Month.

Well done to all. Keep the great post coming!

Monthly Awards: August 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: August 2022

It’s that time again…

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Torvin Anor
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Counting flotsam and jetsam”

We often forget the tedium of being an engineer. This post is great in its illustration of that.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Shran dh’Klar & Lt. Ayana Hillis & Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Ens. T’Plana-hath & Ens. James Phoenix & Lt. Seth Travis & PO1 Amethyst Reece
CO / ACRTO / OO / XO / CMO / ACMO / CC / IO / TO / CDO / CA
USS Washington

For “Bringing Them Home”

This is a great holodeck scene featuring Lord of the Rings characters. A nice juxtaposition between real time events happening on the bridge while seconds are passing on the holodeck. Fun!

Funniest Post

Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
CTO / CSS
USS Sunfire

For “Feels like the first time Pt 4”

Nothing like a decaying Deanwich to help you get to the bottom of something…

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “A Breach in Temporal Accords”

Nice multi-scene genesis post about time travel. Excellent use of Daniels!

MVP

Lieutenant JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

The Wayfarer’s FCO had a fantastic month, leading and organizing posts while also injecting some great Klingon humor into the story.

Most Posts

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

For writing 15 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant JG Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s Chief Counselor had many contributions this month, but the most noticeable was moving the plot forward in creative ways that inspired other players to take some chances.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Nicole Logan
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Washington

Lt. Logan wasted no time in getting to know her fellow crewmembers, jumping immediately into the action.

Recruitment

None this month

2022 is nearly 3/4 done. Keep the great posts coming.

Monthly Awards: June 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment on Monthly Awards: June 2022

Congratulations to those who won some real prizes at our annual gift drawing earlier this month. Here’s the first group to place their names on the big wheel for next year…

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Progress”

Writing for doctors can be difficult, without constantly employing a deus ex machina to solve a problem. Spending time writing about the thinking process and coming up with a creative solution is sometimes the best kind of medical post. Love this one!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Lt. Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Ashlesha 4827/A & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis
CO / 2O / COO / SO
USS Sunfire

For “Bridge Crew”

This is a very interesting subject, not seen often in Trek posts, which kept me engaged. Well written, seamless even though multiple folks contributed, and just the right mix of personal interactions with technical jargon. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Nerex
Flight Control Chief
USS Eminence

For “Fun During Downtime”

Ok, intentionally flying a shuttle into a black hole and dying over and over again is inherently funny!

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Unexpected Adventure”

Unexpected, yes, and a perfect way to get the crew going.

MVP

Lieutenant JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

Lt. jg. Luna has really developed her character in a short amount of time. She expertly writes the clash of the Human/Klingon slides while easily incorporating it into the mission with the rest of the crew. A great teammate!

Most Posts

Lieutenant Anna Thesia
Chief Medical Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Ashlesha 4827/A
Chief Operations Officer
USS Sunfire

Still relatively new to the Sunfire, Lt. Ashlesha continues to involve herself in all matters of the mission and consistently offers great ideas and well written posts. She is also super easy to work with, which is always a plus.

Rookie of the Month

None this month

Recruitment

None this month

It’s hard to believe this crazy group we call IDF has now been around for 21 whole years. Here’s to 21 more!

Monthly Awards: May 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: May 2022

Congratulations to our May award winners. We have some new faces this month!

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “Off to the Drift Races”

Well put together post about ancient history… nice writing!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lieutenant Deanna Celes & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Petty Officer 1st Class Amethyst Reece
Operations Officer / Executive Officer / Counselor’s Aide
USS Washington

For “Eclectic Surprise”

Really well written and blends well together, despite being a joint post. This is a very solid Trek plot, I love it.

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lieutenant Commander Dean House
Computer Systems Specialist / Chief Tactical Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Feels like the first time ptII”

How better to get to know your superior officer than to introduce him to your wolf pack?

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Genesis – New Harrington”

Ahh, classic genesis post, distress calls are the best!

MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Structural/Environmental Specialist
USS Wayfarer

Since joining as a non-senior staff in Engineering, Rommel has done a fantastic job of getting onto the ship and story and finding things to do in the field.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Anna Thesia
Chief Medical Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 7 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Thriss Kla’ren
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s Chief Engineer has really stepped up the past month, encouraging other players to work on joint posts and moving the story along nicely.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s new Intelligence Officer joined late in the month, but still managed to post and have an immediate impact to the current mission that was already well developed, showing that she will be a great addition to the crew.

Recruitment

None this month

Congratulations again and have a great summer of role playing!

Monthly Awards: April 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: April 2022

It’s time to announce our April award winners:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Ashlesha 4827/A
Chief Operations Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Cooling Her Heels”

A wonderfully crafted post inside the mind of the character.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Miller & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Torvin Anor & Lt. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Rania Bhatti & Lt. Mark Johnson & Ens. Magnum Rhodes
CO / XO / Yeoman / CEO / CSTO / CC / CMO / FCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Going ‘down'”

I love this post! It’s very well integrated and an exciting atmospheric entry and landing.

Funniest Post

Lt. Ayana Hillis & Lt. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Aiko Kato & Lt. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis & PO1 Class Amethyst Reece
TO / OO / XO / CMO / FCO / ACMO / CA
USS Washington

For “Medical Mystery”

I dunno why but sleepy Starfleet officers are funny.

Genesis

None this month

MVP

Lieutenant Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer
USS Montana

What a great officer and role player! With the Captain away, he steps right up and leads the sim without missing a beat. First class in all respects.

Most Posts

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Executive Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington & USS Sunfire

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Dean House
Second Officer
USS Sunfire

Stepping up for both the CO and XO, he flawlessly ran the sim, and as always, continues to be a great sounding board for the rest of the crew.

Rookie of the Month

None this month

Recruitment

None this month

I think we can call this the XO month! Happy role playing, IDF!

Monthly Awards: March 2022

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: March 2022

Congratulations to our March award winners below.

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Aiko Kato
Flight Control Officer
USS Washington

For “The Truth Will Set You Free”

Lt. Kato wins for the second month in a row and the fifth time in six months–incredible! This is a lovely post, with vivid descriptions of both emotion and the environment. Well done!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Murphy & Capt. Jackson Adams & Lt. Seth Munro & Lt. T’Ponga Shemara
CRO / CO / CMO / CEO
USS Montana

For “A Doubtful Friend Is Worse Than A Certain Enemy”

This one is interesting, with a sense of anticipation from the crew as they meet the Klingons, many of them for the first time.

Funniest Post

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “The Sounds of Silence”

Rest, finally! We all can relate.

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Mission Diverted”

Short and sweet, allowing the crew to do the writing. I like it!

MVP

Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Wayfarer

Lt. Mckenzie really stepped up into the Second Officer spot. She is always quick to participate, offer suggestions, and help others by opening up opportunities for fellow writers.

Most Posts

Commander Finchley Kerr
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 15 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Niali Korial
Chief Medical Officer
USS Sunfire

Lt. Korial’s writing has advanced to the point where she’s one of the top contributors to the sim. Her posts are always imaginative and open doors for others.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Seth Munro
Chief Medical Officer
USS Montana

The Montana’s new CMO hit the group running. His posts are funny, interesing, and revelant all at the same time.

Recruitment

Lt. Cmdr. Dean House and Lt. Cmdr. Sandra “Phantom” Risa
XO / ACEO
USS Sunfire

Each player recruited a new member to the Sunfire. Excellent work!

1/4 of 2022 is now in the books!

My Favorite Trek: Dean House

Posted on | by Heather Meadows | 2 Comments on My Favorite Trek: Dean House

In our continued series of My Favorite Trek, I have had the delight of interviewing Dean House of the USS Sunfire. Let’s have a look at the starship Sunfire’s Chief Tactical Officer, currently Acting Executive Officer.

Name: Dean House (aka Angelus)
Rank: Commander
Sim: USS Sunfire
Position: Chief Tactical Officer
Other Characters: N/A

Favorite Star Trek episode? “Lower Decks” Star Trek: The Next Generation. Season 7, Episode 15
Why? It’s something that always hit just right. We always know, any of the shows have the main characters and most of the time show cases them. Even though there’s always extras. However, that episode was something that was needed. While the ending was definitely sad. The writing as excellent. Show casing what the ones that actually keep things going do. Their internal struggles, their insecurities. What they want to strive to be. It was a hard choice between this one or “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” but “Lower Decks” wins hands down.
Favorite Star Trek series? Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Why? While I was introduced to TOS in syndicate by my mother, and grandmother. TNG was really more of what I came into when I was a little older and it definitely helped me to work through awkwardness in middle school. Associating more with Wesley Crusher than the other characters. Or maybe Data a little. I’m aware that he gets a bad rap but that’s not really the characters fault really.
Favorite Star Trek film? Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Why? There’s a lot of controversy over this one. It doesn’t have the greatest writing. The directing was okay. Nothing to write home about. The best thing about it I look at is its underlying message trying to be relayed. Or at least in my opinion. It’s not about Sybok trying to find Sha’kar’ri(or God.) I mean yes, that’s part of the plot. I always have believed it’s all about family. The relationships, the turmoil that they’ve all endured. Life, death, life. How through no matter what, they are always a family and always will be. Family isn’t about blood. Even when Bones always gets mad at Spock and says “You green blooded…in human…(enter explicative here.) We don’t choose our family; we are brought together. That’s the real premise of the movie. In my opinion.
Favorite Star Trek Captain? Always and will always be Kirk.

  • What year did you start simming? 1995.
  • What sim was it? USS Cortez, Email based in UCIP.
  • What keeps you simming today? Stories, the people, the relationships formed between strangers with a common love for a genre. Seeing what else people come up with.
  • Favorite non-simming hobby? [I]Have to go with Video Games. Though I’d love to get back into modeling (plastic ships and the like.)
  • Favorite non-Trek series? Supernatural.
  • Favorite non-Trek film? I have to go with Evolution (2001, David Duchovny) because it was the last movie that I got to go to an actual theatre to with my grandmother and she absolutely loved it, and so do I.
  • Favorite book (fiction or non)? Both fiction and non-fiction.
  • Favorite video game? [The] Final Fantasy Series and Resident Evil Series
  • Favorite musician or band? Non-committal.
  • Favorite superhero? Superman.
  • If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Telepathy.
  • Favorite sport? [I’m] not big into sports, but I guess….Hockey.
  • Favorite team? The Dallas Cowboys.
  • Favorite food? My Deanwiches.
  • Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi.
  • Lennon or McCartney? [I] Don’t particularly care either way
  • Favorite James Bond actor? Sir Sean Connery.
  • Star Trek or Star Wars? Both, for different reasons. Star Trek has more of the base of equality and what this world, universe should be. While Star Wars has lightsabers and I love flying and space combat (lol).

Rank the Trek TV shows from best to worst. TNG / TOS / ENT / DSN / VOY / PIC / DSC
Rank the Trek movies from best to worst. TFF / TWOK / TVH / TUC / TSFS / FC / G / N / I / TMP / ST (2009) / ID / B
Was this too many questions? No.

Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to get to know you better. We now have a nice insight into the sort of Star Trek that you like. Good luck and safe voyages with the USS Sunfire.