Monthly Awards: February 2024

Happy Ides of March, everybody!

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Steve Ryan
Chief Communications and Operations Officer
USS Montana

For “Reapacification”

Duty calls!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Cynfor Rees & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Owen Woodhouse
CO / XO / CDO / CFCO / COO
USS Firebird

For “This isn’t a Simulator!”

Great action and plot development!


Funniest Post

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Lt. Inara Senn & Ens. James Phoenix
ACOO / CSO / TO
USS Washington

For “Following the Evidence”

Great writing!


Genesis

Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Rania Bhatti & Lt. JG Patra Rommel
XO / CO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CC / CES
USS Wayfarer

For “Revisiting the Past”

A great way to build into the mission.


MVP

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

The Chuck Norris’s XO continues to set the pace for the ship, even stepping up as the current CO is due to stand down. She expertly leads the ship both in and out of character and is slated to become the full-time CO next month.


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 49 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla’ren
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Sunfire

The Gunfire’s CEO made outstanding contributions during the month during the CD mini-mission that not only developed her own character but set up great opportunities for others to use as well.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Commander Kataxes
Chief Medical Officer
USS Firebird

The Firebird’s new CMO jumped into simming with a radically different and unique character, and is not only pulling it off, but crushing it.


Recruitment

None this month.


The great posting continues!

Monthly Awards: January 2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “All These Years”

A wonderfully written post!


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
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CSO
USS Wayfarer

For “Robbed Blind”

Great interaction among multiple players!


Funniest Post

Lt. Sarah Wilson & SCPO Ronson Mitchell & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis & Remal Kajun
MO / Y / SO / CA
USS Sunfire

For “Kit go down the hole”

To quote Montgomery Scott: “Up your shaft.”


Genesis

Captain Michael Intermeezo
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Heading Out”

A lot of possibilities to explore!


MVP

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Racking up an amazing 26.5 posts this month, Mr Lance has pushed the mission forward and had an impressive impression on the crew. His promotion to Lt Cmdr and second officer is a reflection of his hard work.


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 45 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Ileah
Yoeman
USS Wayfarer

Lieutenant Ileah has been doing really well these past few weeks. Actively contributing to the posts and really pushing forward with his character developments. He has come a long way since joining the Wayfarer! Also he had a lot of RL problems and its nice to see him overcoming them and finally getting back into his writing.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


What a great start to the year!

Monthly Awards: June 2023

What a great anniversary celebration! Now it’s time to celebrate our latest monthly awardees.

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “Kobayashi Maru Part One”

Ah yes, the tried and true Kobayashi Maru. What a fun read!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Aven LaCroix & Lt. Cmdr. Aria Winters & Lt. Ikuyo Kita & Lt. JG Hank Solomon & Lt. JG Adrianna Baciami & Lt. JG Karri & Ens. Ethan O’Donnaghue & Ens. Bek’a ir Az
CO / CSO / COO / CEO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / DCS
USS Eclipse

For “Sharpening the Blade”

I love the good old fashioned episodic format. Well done!


Funniest Post

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

For “Snatch and Grab an Intervention”

“Meat bag” reminds me of the HK assassin droid from Knights of the Old Republic. Love it!


Genesis

None this month.


MVP

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

Cmdr. Key continued his excellent performance from last month with outstanding contributions to the story and creating opening for other players to get involved this month. His mentorship of newer players has also been invaluable.


Most Posts

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

For writing 5 posts.


Most Improved

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Commander Howard wrote some really impressive posts this month, including her character dealing with the death of an NPC.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Here’s to year 23, IDF!

Monthly Awards: March 2023

With the year nearly 1/3 over, the year’s total awards are hereby 1/4 presented:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Coming to grips with true love”

A follow-up to last month’s best post: Sweet nothings.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Shran dh’Klar & 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
CO / XO / CMO / ACMO / CC / IO / TO / CDO
USS Washington

For “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Lots going on in this post! Way to keep it all together!


Funniest Post

Marine Captain Emily Janeway
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “Debriefing on the issue of cargo transport failed”

Good one.


Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Signal Mystery”

Great way to get things going.


MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

Excellent writing and teamwork! She stayed engaged and found ways to help the plot even though her character wasn’t with the rest of the crew on Risa. True talent!


Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.


Most Improved

Ensign Kitiuas Thenis
Science Officer
USS Sunfire

One of the newer members of the Sunfire, Thenis steps up with month some quality posts and helping others get involved.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


I also want to comment on the retro version of the IDF website earlier this month. While our website no longer looks like this, it’s amazing to think that these awards that we started in month one of July 2001 are still going strong today thanks to all the great writing from YOU!

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

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: July 2022

It’s time to announce the monthly award winners for the first month of our 22nd year:

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

For “Reminiscences on ‘God-like’ Beings”

A change of pace from the typical Best Post with a stream of consciousness personal log.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Captain Akeno Misaki & Lieutenant Mark Johnson
CO / CMO
USS Wayfarer

For “Thankyou”

Wow, what a fantastic post! It’s not just about the mission, but some good sickbay activity too. A real tear jerker.


Funniest Post

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lieutenant Anna S. Thesia
CSS / CMO
USS Sunfire

For “BACKPOST – A green duck and a blue gemstone”

Ribbing the prude is always funny. And quite different from the Best Post!


Genesis

 Lt. Mark Johnson & Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Miller
CMO / CO / XO
USS Wayfarer

For “The Ballad of Johnathan Miller”

What a great post that sets up things well for both the plot and character development.


MVP

Lieutenant Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

A heavy volume of deep and detailed posts throughout the month. She collaborated with others to paint vivid portraits to advance the plot and generate enthusiasm with the rest of the crew.


Most Posts

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

For writing 12 posts.


Most Improved

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

He played a key role in the current mission that tied very well to his character arc in a very natural way.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Geneviève Boudreaux
Head Nurse
USS Montana

The new Ensign hit the ground running and is just fun to be around, a great example to rookies and veterans alike.


Recruitment

Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer
USS Montana

Every time he is online he tries to get people to join the ship. I have had several people ask to join based, largely, on his efforts.


Great job everyone!

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: September 2021

Congratulations to all of our award winners for September:

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Through The Looking Glass”

Some feel a vision from the prophets is a tired old hat, but this was nicely written an left me wanting more. Great work!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Lt. Aiko Kato & Ens. James Phoenix
CMO / XO / FCO / TO
USS Washington

For “To Go Forth….Again”

Good writing from a team that is used to working together getting it done. Not all Trek posts need action sequences to be good, and this one hits the mark with the threat of violence without actually getting into it. Had me on the edge of my seat!


Funniest Post

Commander Jackson Andrews
Executive Officer
USS Albion

For “Back on the Command Track, Well Sorta Pt.1”

Lol, he was made a Yeoman? So awesome.


Genesis

Lieutenant JG Djon Zyngh & Captain Aurther Winters
CSO / CO
USS Chuck Norris

For “Death’s Triangle”

Nice intro and good tags all around on this one. Well done!


MVP

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

What a player! From creating well crafted posts to encouraging engaging joint efforts, Durnell also acts as the Captain’s counsel to bounce suggestions and ideas off of.


Most Posts

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 15 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Aiko Kato
Flight Control Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s young pilot really worked to get involved with the crew and to become more integrated, creating some excellent contributions along the way.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Trevor Andrews
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Eminence

Don’t let the rank fool you, Andrews arrived on the Eminence and hit the ground running. A great addition to the sim!


Recruitment

None this month. Get recruiting!


It’s been a while since we’ve had 5 sims represented within the awards in a single month, well done! Keep all the great posts coming, and maybe we’ll see a few more next month.

My Favorite Trek: Jackson Andrews

Let me welcome our newest guest on My Favorite Trek…

Character: Jackson Andrews

Rank: Commander

Sim: USS Albion

Position: Executive Officer

Other Characters: Ensign James Phoenix (USS Washington), Lieutenant Thriss Kla’ren (USS Sunfire), Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie (USS Wayfarer), Lieutenant JG Travis Ryson (USS Montana) & Ensign Jack Keegan (USS Chuck Norris)

Favorite Star Trek episode? This is a hard one, but I’d have to go with The Best of Both Worlds Parts One and Two.

Why? This is something I genuinely enjoy about many shows and Trek, but I really liked how it showed different possibilities of what could have happened. For example, the promotion of different officers, Picard’s possible fate, etc. I also like how it slightly segues into future TNG episodes.

Favorite Star Trek series? If the last question wasn’t clear, Star Trek: The Next Generation is by far one of my favorites. But I also enjoy most of the other shows that take place in the 24th century. Most notably: Star Trek DS9 and Voyager.

Why? I like how it shows how far the Trek Universe had advanced since The Original Series. It also vastly explored what Starfleet expanded to. Who wouldn’t like to explore the universe on a big Galaxy Class ship?

Favorite Star Trek film? Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home

Why? Multiple reasons, actually. It felt more laid-back than many other Trek films. It was cool seeing a legendary cast go back in time to the 80s, which was the present day when the film was released. Plus, Kirk and Spock’s “Colorful Metaphors” were enjoyable to watch too.

Favorite Star Trek Captain? Honestly, it’s a hard decision. But if I could give an answer at this moment in time, I’d have to say Janeway. Even if she broke the Prime Directive a few different times, she had to make tough calls for her crew. Not only that but she is a fellow coffee drinker. However, I am salty that she never promoted Harry Kim.

What year did you start simming? I started simming in 2020. I know that it’s far from as long as many of the others have been simming. However, before I was doing simming, I roleplayed constantly on various video games, and other forms of entertainment. I had been looking for a way to roleplay Trek when I came across the world of simming.

What sim was it? My first sim was one of IDF’s finest, the USS Washington.

What keeps you simming today? Today, what keeps me simming is the strive to know what happens next in the story, whether it’s small or large. So essentially, it’s the story that keeps me going.

Favorite non-simming hobby? I have many different hobbies outside of simming, especially, watching various shows, including Trek. However, I have a big passion for cars. I genuinely love the automotive world.

Favorite non-Trek series? Right now, it’s probably the new Magnum P.I series.

Favorite non-Trek film? This is a hard one, because I actually have two: Unstoppable and Need for Speed.

Favorite book (fiction or non)? I don’t necessarily have a favorite right now, but I have been reading the Star Trek novel, The Dark Veil. I also enjoy reading the Harry Potter Series.

Favorite video game? Honestly, while I have the games I constantly return to, like the Forza Games, I played and finished Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. It is by far one of the best story games I have played so far. That’s not to say that it will change. But hey, I’m a sucker for story games.

Favorite musician or band? Linkin Park is by far my favorite, but I also like Greenday, Foo Fighters, and pretty much anything that is rock, or alt rock.

Favorite superhero? Probably Spider-Man at the moment, because I can relate to him the most.

If you could have any super power, what would it be? Teleportation

Favorite sport? Anything to do with motorsports, mostly with cars.

Favorite team? McLaren F1

Favorite food? Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Coke or Pepsi?  Pepsi

Lennon or McCartney? Lennon

Jordan or LeBron? Jordon

Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek

Rank the Trek TV shows from best to worst. DSN, TNG, VOY, ENT, PIC, DSC, TOS

Rank the Trek movies from best to worst. TVH, FC, TWOK, I, G, N, ST (2009), ID, TUC, B, TFF, TMP, TSFS

Was this too many questions? No.

Commander Jackson Andrews, and all his other characters, everyone!