Task Force 17 – Report #1

April 3, 2025

If you so much as blinked since our last report in January, you very likely missed some of the changes that happened in Task Force 17.
No worries – I’m here to catch you up!

Task Force Updates

First up, after a month as interim Task Force Commanding Officer, MJ returned to his logistics realm, and left it to me to fill his shoes. No pressure, right? While he is no longer with Task Force 17, I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s taught me – Seriously, MJ, you’re a legend.

But wait, there’s more!

Tiberius Rain, a steadfast presence in TF17, transferred to Task Force 72 to take the position of TGCO there. While we miss him, we sent him off with well wishes and a raktajino care package.

Meanwhile, things had a way of balancing themselves, because Noli Auru (aka Kai) and Aakon Keacen (aka Chris) both joined Task Force 17 as TGCOs, and let me tell you, we are growing into one fantastic team.

Speaking of growing, we were able to welcome two brand new members and several transfers from the reserves into Task Force 17:

It’s exciting to see them dive (back) into Bravo Fleet with fresh energy, engaging in new activities, stepping outside their comfort zone, rocketing up the ranks – and helping others with ideas, challenges, and feedback. It’s a testament to how much we all gain when new members join or former members come back and rediscover the fun.

Fiction Updates

Hecate Station Squadron / Tornado Exploratory Cruiser Squadron
As tensions with the Klingon Empire threaten to escalate, Hecate Station Squadron and Tornado Exploratory Cruiser Squadron struggle to maintain balance against the gathering storm.
At the Grim Wall, a vast asteroid field that serves as a natural barrier against the Klingons, the USS Himalaya faces a growing crisis – anomalous subspace distortions threaten the vital Pilgrim Route to Hecate Station, and Klingon patrols exploit the disruption to test Starfleet’s resolve. At the same time, the USS Gemini races to the aid of a Romulan Republic colony under siege, where the crew scramble to treat the wounded and prop up shaky defences while the bridge officers navigate a delicate standoff with an aggressive Klingon fleet that will not stand down.

The USS Kusanagi, tasked with tracking cloaked vessels encroaching on Federation space, engages in a risky game of cat and mouse. As they interpret brief sensor readings, the crew must determine whether these intrusions are proof of Romulan espionage, Klingon aggression, or something far more ominous. Meanwhile, the USS Ukiah follows a trail of sabotaged cargo, uncovering a secret smuggling operation in league with rogue Klingon factions.

Columbia Explorer Division
After four long weeks at Starbase Bravo for an overhaul, the morale of the crew of the Columbia is at a low as many wait for orders from command, but a call to Commander Noli changes the mood quickly as she recalls everyone from shore leave and orders the ship prepped for departure and meet up with the USS Melbourne to receive the ship’s new CO and head to the Zaran system. After arrival sensors locate something: a possible Orion data recording device. The Captain orders the device beamed aboard but with a strange order; nobody outside of the staff on the bridge can know of its existence. After being summoned to the cargo bay what Noli finds is shocking; a badly cremated body. The Captain reveals it is a deceased intelligence operative and that he was simply there to take command of the ship to recover the operative. The ship is ordered back to Starbase Bravo and the new, now old, captain departs. After three weeks the Columbia is on its way to the Mizar system for a rendezvous that they, yet again, know little about. Before long the ship violently drops out of warp. The crew does not know it yet, but the Backout has begun. With the idea of sending out probes and using the data to make small, short warp jumps around the subspace distortions, the crew of the Columbia waits for answers and what comes next.

USS Burbank
At Starbase 1 Captain Jonathan Reilly prepares to depart and head to his new assignment, the USS Burbank. As he walks through the Starbase, his mind turns to wondering what this new chapter in his career will bring and the hope that he would help the fleet aboard that new California class ship. With the ship already docked at the Starbase he heads to the docking bay, his mind already focused on the ship’s first mission: Transferring supplies and medical and science teams to Betazed. Reaching the ship he pauses for a few moments to take it all in, hopeful and eager to get started. With the press of the airlock controls, the new captain of the Burbank steps on his ship and begins his new adventure.

USS Vacaville
After picking up supplies at Starbase 4, the USS Vacaville departs for McKinley Station under the command of its new Captain. After summoning two civilians that the ship picked up on Starbase 4 to her quarters, the Captain grows concerned with the ship’s newest civilian passengers. A visit in the night from one of her officers only grows that concern as she uncovers some details of the past. During an emotional visit, the Captain assigns the security officer to the civilians quarters to keep an eye on them during their journey to Earth.

Galaxy Explorer Division
In the aftermath of the Labyrinth Crisis, the crew of the USS Galaxy grapples with the fallout of their journey. Those who arrived home safely deal with new political realities, welcoming a delegation of the Mackdoran people aboard ship in the hope of sealing trade deals and access to dilithium deposits. But they are not alone in their attempt to woo their new friends as representatives of several powerful species, such as the Cardassians, Romulans and the Talarians arrive to secure rights to the same dilithium supply. Aware that she has little time to rescue her crewmates, the Captain makes a deal with the devil to secure passage through Cardassian space, but at a cost. Against orders, the Captain and crew begin planning an audacious rescue mission that threatens everyone’s careers. Days later and Galaxy returns to the safety of Federation space, but not before a Cardassian pursuit and a clash with the starship Resnik sees Captain and crew placed on an indefinite lockdown, facing a series of significant charges…

USS Healdsburg
Assigned to transport a Federation Ambassador to the home of Federation diplomats in Romulan space, Healdsburg is put in jeopardy when suspicions start to turn to rumors. As Captain Grace and her crew get to grips with preparations for the Ambassador’s arrival, a shocking announcement shakes the very foundations of the California-class ship – Ambassador Snow is being treated as a traitor. Working together, Captain and XO must ensure the ship is ready and able to receive a new prisoner…

USS Merced
During an away mission to a new and mysterious world, the crew of the USS Merced stumble upon an ancient sect of monks from a religious order, worshipping a strange artefact. Inside a golden chest adorned with the Starfleet logo, an old leather book piques the curiosity of Chief Medical Officer Marcus Anvers, who liberates the item and returns to the ship. There, he begins reading the book’s contents, delving into the lost stories of Captain Alvin Smirk and the crew of the Starship Smaug, a tale over a century old.

USS Ahwahnee
Having travelled some 39,000 lightyears thanks to an Underspace corridor, Ahwahnee briefly finds herself in the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant, confronted by the Federation’s most feared enemy; the Borg. As crew members begin to succumb to the inevitable assimilation of their foe, it soon becomes apparent that something else has inhabited their beloved captain. B’Gyr’Tyn, Great Progenitor of Greneweyr, has infested their captain and somehow transported the ship and crew 9 months into the future…

USS Sirona
The Sirona responds to a desperate plea for help as the USS Callisto reports that members of their crew have abandoned the vessel to join a community of worshippers on Asada. But they didn’t leave of their own volition – a powerful telepathic entity, a God who refuses to be forgotten – is pulling the strings behind the scenes. When they confront the entity, they manage to convince it to release its telepathic hold on the crew and grant its followers free will. But not all of those touched by the entity’s influence opt to leave their newfound faith behind, and carry it into the galaxy.

Task Force Recognition

Awards

Promotions

  • Olivia Grace – Lieutenant Junior Grade
  • Nacien Rixx –  Cadet Sophomore Grade,  Cadet Junior Grade, Cadet Senior Grade, Midshipman
  • Jarinne T’rron – Cadet Sophomore Grade,  Cadet Junior Grade, Cadet Senior Grade, Midshipman
  • Yajat Shamji – Cadet Sophomore Grade,  Cadet Junior Grade, Cadet Senior Grade, Midshipman
  • Fox Winslett – Cadet Junior Grade
  • Mattie – Cadet Junior Grade

Conclusion

I am incredibly proud that Task Force 17 is more than just a team – it’s a place where people support each other, help each other grow, build lasting friendships, and are all exceedingly excited for the coming Fleet Action.

So, here’s to all the adventures ahead!

FrameProfile Photo
Cressida Brennan Task Force 17 Commanding Officer
Task Force 17