The bridge of a futuristic starship, designed with a circular seating arrangement. In the center, a large, command chair is surrounded by four other seats, all with ergonomic, cream-colored upholstery. The curved ceiling has a series of geometric panels with ambient lighting. Behind the seats, large control consoles with touch-screen interfaces are mounted on the walls. Two doorways and an elevator are visible on either side of the bridge.

The Most Important 24th Anniversary in the Universe

Happy 24th Anniversary, Independence Fleet! These anniversaries seem to be happening quicker and quicker these days! Continuing a tradition we began a few years ago, we again have a video message from a very special guest:

As some of you are already aware, we recently acquired a prop used on Star Trek V: The Final Frontier during the shuttle crash landing scene:

See it on the right side of the screen next to the stacked barrels? Yes, that’s it!

Turns out, it’s a miniature of a highly prolific movie prop. Dubbed the “most important device in the universe” by some, it’s been used in more than 200 movies and television shows. Ex Astris Scientia notes that this full sized version appears in two Star Trek movies and six episodes, and refers to it as “blinking tubes” here.

This guy even created his own working copy of the thing. This full-size device belonged to Modern Props, which unfortunately closed back in 2020. While we don’t know the fate of Modern Props #195-290-1, we’re happy to hold a piece of history with this mini version. What did we do with it?

We asked each ship to write a post using the object in some way. Here are those submissions in alphabetical order by sim:

We then asked three individuals from independent sims to serve as judges:

And your winners are…

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1st Place:

USS Chuck Norris
for What in the World?
CO: Captain Mira Rodale
2nd Place:

USS Washington
for Brigid’s Gift
CO: Captain Shran dh’Klar
3rd Place:

USS Sunfire
for Ikar’s Folly
CO: Captain Rhenora Kaylen
“Any device that knows that Raktajino is needed is awesome in my opinion. Awesome plot.”

“I liked the casual subtlety that was employed here.”

“The writing style here is very clean with very good grammar, which makes it easy to read. Well done!”
“This post had peak Treknobabble and it was fantastic.”

“Disclosure – I have a fascination with Celtic deities, so I was immediately drawn in anyway. This was fun, and I am curious about what happens next!”

“I absolutely adore the Quantum Physics take.”
“Starfleet and Snow.. Neat.”

“‘Outsmarted by snow’ is definitely a new take on the ‘acts of God’ trope and I am here for it!”

“I found the battle portions to be particularly engaging, especially the dialogue.”

Superlative winners:

Most integral to story
use of the object:

USS Firebird
for The Thing Is Broken
CO: Captain Malcom Llwyedd
Most creative
use of the object:

USS Montana
for Potential Problem
CO: Captain Michael Murphy
Most humorous
use of the object:

USS Wayfarer
for Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing
CO: Captain Akeno Misaki
“I will forevermore wonder what The Thing ™ does! I cared about the characters and the plot!”

“This sim does a great job of rounding out all bases in a post.”

“‘The thing is broken’ is now my new favorite sentence.”
“This sim does a good job of showing before telling.”

“I wanted to know more about the mysterious officers.. Tell me more!”

“The whole ‘Men in Black’ story line is absolutely wonderful!”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect with the cat at first but the post turned out to be a lot of fun.”

“Cats In Space! I could feel how comfortable Barry the GNDN is for Isoroku!”

“I’m pretty sure you’re the only sim in history who would think to use an unknown object as a cat bed and I love it”
Great all around use:

USS Eminence
for Genesis
CO: Captain Alex Shepard
Avant-garde:

USS Liberty
for Shakedown out the window
CO: Captain Kaylia Strenvale
This is Trek:

USS Churchill
for Transfer Arrival
CO: Captain James Stewart
“The cameos were surprisingly well done.”

“A good way to bring in a familiar character. Hi Geordie! OK folks on the Eminence, how do you find the device??”

“The writing, grammar, and punctuation are impeccable!”
“An interesting dilemma, and some equally interesting people in the middle of a time twist!”

“There was a great sense of urgency in the story.”

“From this post, it sounds like the object was incorporated into a larger story, which I find very creative.”
“The sim did a good job of writing the post by the numbers. Right on.”

“I wondered where the device was…”

“I love the detailed descriptions of the scenery.”
Yes, it is a post: USS Albion for A Tale of Two Spragues (and Keys) (CO: Captain Dick Sprague)
“This was one of the funniest things I’ve read, although I may have found it even funnier if some of the context wasn’t lost on me.”

“I liked the differentiation between the real characters and the fake ones.”

Congratulations to everyone, and a special thank you to our judges! All three judges expressed to me how much they enjoyed reading the 10 posts. They were all highly entertaining while showcasing the unique personalities of each sim. I hope the Captains and crews had as much fun writing them!

Happy 24th anniversary, Independence Fleet! Thank you for all you do to make our community what it is!

A rectangular banner featuring Admiral Charles Star, Commander-in-Chief of Independence Fleet. On the left is a black-and-white photo of a man in a red and black Starfleet uniform wearing a hat. The right side displays the name "Admiral Charles Star" in large white text, with "Commander-in-Chief" and "Independence Fleet" below it. The background is black with a purple winged bell logo faintly behind the text. The frame is metallic with a purple accent.
A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: May 2025

Lieutenant Ánderijá “Rija” Rautajärvi
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Washington

For “Elbow Room”

A great introduction and look at how a new officer might interact with their new crewmates


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Zub Enel
CO / CSTO / ACSTO
USS Firebird

For “The Needs Of The Many”

A nice collaboration and well written story.


Funniest Post

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

For “Play time”

Given the temperature outside, it seems appropriate to have some fun in the Sun.


Genesis

Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Lieutenant Commander Elias Ford
CO / CMO
USS Firebird

For “Denied Dominion”

A very intriguing start to a new mission.


MVP

Commander Rhiana t’Aegis
Second Officer
USS Firebird

The Firebird’s 2O stepped up her participation in May as acting XO. In addition to advising the CO on sim matters, she played a valuable role in crew OOC discussions. She is an indispensable member of the sim.


Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.


Most Improved

Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson
Chief Counselor
USS Washington

The Washington’s Counselor had an excellent month, taking events from the prior mission and turning them into an opportunity for excellent character development for both herself and others. She also finished #2 on the sim in total posts.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Ánderijá “Rija” Rautajärvi
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s new Engineer recently joined, and though only aboard for the final week of the month, she has already shown outstanding writing and collaboration in solo and joint posting.


Recruitment

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

Recruited one new player who won two fleet awards in her first month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: February 2025

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Taken”

A great post, lots of mystery, with possible hidden agendas and trying to get rid of the one person seeking to get to the bottom of things.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Michael Murphy & Lt. Cmdr. Steve Ryan & Lt. Kestra Ral & Lt. Stuart Mann
CO / XO / CSO / NO
USS Montana

For “The Best Laid Plans…”

Great writing all together, and good to see species that were mentioned before making a comeback, all with betrayal and commerce in the background.


Funniest Post

Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Cmdr. Dean House
Computer Systems Specialist / Second Officer
USS Sunfire

For “The Jig is Up”

A continuation from last month–the good times and writing keep rolling.


Genesis

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

For “Days to come”

Trying to turn the Chuck Norris in for extensive upgrades? More comfort? Holorooms… this will surely lead to trouble.


MVP

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

As the mission solidified, the Washington’s Chief Tactical Officer took the lead in the subplot, helping to guide events on the main storyline.


Most Posts

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 7 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Inara Senn
Chief Science Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s Chief Science Officer had a nice month trying to railroad the cadets in addition to being her usual misanthropic and funny self.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Varin Maxim
Science Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s new Science Officer leapt aboard with a bang and three posts in his first month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: November 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Crewman Thyra Kevensdotter
Security Officer
USS Firebird

For “Coding for a Friend”

Great dialog makes for a great post!


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. Rania Bhatti
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / CC
USS Wayfarer

For “Delecita Asperelda (Part 2)”

A great ending for a two-parter.


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Lt. JG Kate Kono
XO / CMO / CC / SCP
USS Washington

For “The Mirror & The Reflection”

This crew really knows how to write together, playing off each others’ strengths and setting the stage for the next section.


Genesis

Capt. Mira Rodale & Cmdr. Kevin Lance & Lt. Cmdr. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. Tracey Walker Jr & Lt. Betaras K’ner
CO / XO / CSTO / CEO / CM
USS Chuck Norris

For “Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?”

A great start for a mission that can be taken in many different ways.


MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

A sterling example of when quality and quantity meet. Her invaluable postings took the sim to the next level this month.


Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 18 posts.


Most Improved

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

Produced excellent contributions in every post she participated in.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Eiren Readil
Nurse
USS Sunfire

Brand new to simming, he participated in 2 joint posts.


Recruitment

None this month.


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: August 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Once is Happenstance”

Not only the usual Most Posts winner, but a clear case showing that quantity doesn’t mean the quality goes down.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. JG Runa Suruga & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Justin Specter
CO / ACOO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CIO
USS Wayfarer

For “Change of Plans”

A great continuation to a suspenseful story from an outstanding writing team that continues to produce time and time again.


Funniest Post

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Time to talk”

Continuing his domination this month with excellent situations and word play.


Genesis

Captain Mira Rodale
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “The coldness of space”

A fantastic beginning, and if I know the Chuck Norris, to what will be a wild ride. 


MVP

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

She was prolific in her writing, driving the story and creating great opportunities for others to jump in.


Most Posts

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 18 posts.


Most Improved

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

Still new to the Sunfire, Connor is showing some awesome potential by bringing the ship’s Marine department to life.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Group collage of various characters and celebrities, both real and fictional, dressed in Starfleet uniforms aboard a starship interior. The scene includes humans, anime-style characters, and aliens, with the Independence Fleet logo in the top right corner, representing a Star Trek simming community.

Happy 23rd Anniversary, Independence Fleet

Happy 23rd anniversary, Independence Fleet! For anyone new and not aware or simply not wanting to do the math, this club was founded all the way back on July 4, 2001. Continuing a tradition we began a few years ago, here is a message from a special guest:

What else do we have for this year? You might remember the 20th Anniversary Almanac that we published three years ago. Well, we got the cover page signed by none other than Star Trek legend William Shatner:

pdf | jpg

A closer view of the signature:


In case you were wondering, the cover photo at the top is indeed based on the greatest Star Trek selfie ever taken by LeVar Burton. Thank you to Captain Misaki for creating our header image two years in a row.

I almost forgot, we have a second message this year too:

Happy anniversary, IDF! Here’s to 23 years and much more!

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: May 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Captain James Stewart
Commanding Officer
USS Churchill

For “Help on Its Way”

An excellent amount of back story and intrigue that left me wanting to dive deeper down that rabbit hole on this mission.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Ens. Nusien & Ens. Gianna Djokovic & PO1 Kipp Lak & PO2 Fhiri
CO / CFCO / FCO / TO / Y / CSS
USS Firebird

For “Screaming in the Silence”

Clearly written by some very talented writers who know how to do a good back and forth and flesh out their characters.


Funniest Post

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Tactical Officer / Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

For “Thunderstruck”

This one tickled in a very nostalgic way, however based on the nickname giving to one of the characters, I hope for a better outcome.


Genesis

Captain Mira Rodale
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Who let the cat out?”

Typical of a Commander Officer of the Chuck Norris, a great start to a new chapter. No bias here at all……. dismissed!


MVP

Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer
USS Montana

Getting high commendations from the CO about how well you can work independently of them is one of the highest praises you can receive and is well deserved in this case.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

15 posts leads the way with the fleet.


Most Improved

Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

A good writer is always trying to improve as they go, and being able to be fun and entertaining is a great mix.


Rookie of the Month

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

New to the sim and Discord, and improving with every new post, excited to see where their career continues to grow.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: March 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

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

For “Running.”

Spooky!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Cmdr. Mira Rodale & Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Lance & Lt. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. Tracey Walker Jr & Lt. Betaras K’ner
XO / CFCO / CSTO / CEO / CMO
USS Chuck Norris

For “Bearding the Lion”

Action packed!


Funniest Post

PO1 Baris Demir & PO2 Thomas Lopt & PO2 Fhiri & Capt. Malcom Llwyedd
Q / CS / CSS / CO
USS Firebird

For “The Dregs”

Those who tick off the quartermaster end up with rusty phasers and itchy undergarments.


Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “A Fondness For”

Why is Dick climbing the mountain?


MVP

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris

What can I say, he went from being one of the USS Chuck Norris’ best writers to stepping up and taking the acting XO position to heart both in the story and leading the crew. He has since taken hold of the permanent XO position as if he has been doing it for years!


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 53 posts. Commander Rodale has since been promoted to Captain and assumed command of the USS Chuck Norris.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Inara Senn
Chief Science Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s Science Officer continues to improve with excellent plot details and interesting ideas for all, which allows the whole crew the opportunity to participate in new and exciting ways.


Rookie of the Month

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

The Washington’s new Chief Tactical/Security Officer came in like a breath of fresh air and already the enabled the crew to views at things from new angles.


Recruitment

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s XO wisely directed a player to our ship who has integrated well thus far.


Admiral Ken Gillis
Chief of Technology
Independence Fleet

A sleek, futuristic conference room table with grey surfaces and blue glowing lights on the sides. The chairs surrounding the table have a modern design with dark grey fabric and geometric shapes. The walls of the room are simple, with soft purple accents. The environment has a clean, minimalist, and high-tech aesthetic.

Administrative Notes

We have a few personnel and structural changes to announce:

  • Captain Mira Rodale will relieve Captain Michael Intermeezo as Commanding Officer of the USS Chuck Norris on April 1, 2024. We want to personally thank Captain Intermeezo for the outstanding job he did during his seven months in command, which includes three posting titles so far. His superior commitment to both sim and fleet is very much appreciated! We also look forward to the bright future of this sim as we have no doubt that Captain Rodale will lead the Chuck Norris to even greater heights.
  • The following three sims will be officially decommissioned, with their final day in the fleet coming on March 31, 2024. We humbly thank their respective Commanding Officers and crews for their loyal service to the fleet. They will always be a part of our history and family.
    • USS Ganymede, commanded by Captain Dyllon McMahon since her launch in March 2020; the Ganymede won a Star Trek Gameplay award at the 2020 Tournament of Simulations (ToS)
    • Starbase 80, commanded by Captain Kathleen O’Shea since she joined the fleet in September 2020; Starbase 80 also won a Star Trek Gameplay award at the 2020 ToS
    • USS Eclipse, commanded by Captain Aven LaCroix since her launch in January 2023

We also would like to wish a happy 93rd birthday to the one and only William Shatner!

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

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!