Task Force 17 Report #3

November 30, 2024

Since my last update on September 1st, I’ve watched Task Force 17 embark on an incredible journey of growth, change, and achievement. Every step of the way, I’ve felt an immense sense of pride in this team, and I want to share the story of how we’ve risen to meet every challenge and embraced every opportunity.


Task Force Updates

It all began when Cressida Brennan (enigma_tales) stepped up to take on the role of TG38CO. Watching her juggle this new responsibility while still leading the USS Valkyrie was nothing short of inspiring. She showed such grace and determination, and her contributions to this fleet are truly monumental.

Of course, with every new chapter comes change. Th’lora Vehl (alekianuroz), our TF17XO, decided to step down to pursue an exciting opportunity in what I like to call “non-digital life”—because let’s be honest, what we do here is just as real and meaningful. While I was sad to see him go, I knew it was the right move for him, and I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished and what lies ahead.

With Th’lora’s departure, I saw another opportunity for growth. Brennan stepped into the role of TF17XO, leaving behind her position as TG38CO. I watched her take on this new responsibility with the same energy and excellence she’s always shown, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have someone so capable by my side.

Change wasn’t just happening within our leadership; some of our Seventeeners set out to explore new opportunities across the fleet. Mamof (also Mamof) left us to join Task Force 21 as XO, following Aaslin Braim’s promotion to BFSO. I still feel his supportive and friendly presence in everything we do, even though he’s no longer here day to day. Theo Barrington (Heidi5328), another core member of our family, moved to Task Force 47 to take on the role of XO. Her daily Penguin GIFs were a bright spot in my day, and although we’ve tried to fill the void, nothing quite compares. Both Mamof and Heidi have left big shoes to fill, but I know they’ll do incredible things in their new roles, and I’m cheering them on every step of the way.

But as I’ve learned time and again, Task Force 17 is resilient. It’s like a Hydra—when one of us spreads its wings, two more step in to take their place. I was thrilled to welcome new members into our family: Sazra Kobahl (RaWolfe) and Luna Black (qaaya) from Task Force 86, and Tavek (xstarbuck) and Solaris McLaren (avalon304) from Task Force 72. Avalon even stepped into the TG38CO role, continuing the cycle of strong leadership that defines us. Watching each of them bring their own energy and ideas to the team has been a joy; even though Solaris has stepped down already to pursue other interests, they’re still highly involved!

As I look back on what we’ve accomplished since September, I’m blown away. Across 54 competitions, our team earned 84 Action Medals, proving once again the creativity and drive of this Task Force. In gaming, we achieved an incredible 692 Joint Action Ribbons, showing what’s possible when we work together. In storytelling, we earned 454 Service Ribbons, representing 113500 words of solo fiction—an extraordinary testament to the imagination and dedication of our members.

On top of everything else, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of Task Force 17’s very own set of assets! This project came together seamlessly, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Cath and Annex for their incredible contributions—they were instrumental in making this vision a reality. Now, let me introduce you to the stars of our lineup:

  • Deep Space 17 – Canopus-class station, our base in the Typhon Frontier. 
  • Starbase 339 – Jupiter-class station, managed by our Deputy Commander. 
  • USS Discovery – Odyssey-class heavy explorer, our Task Force flagship. 
  • USS Givens – Steamrunner-class light cruiser, ready for quick response. 
  • USS Sheffield – Grissom-class surveyor, to explore the way ahead. 
  • USS Breedlove – Edison-class heavy frigate, poised and ready.
  • USS Horsehead – Nebula-class exploratory cruiser, your very own roadside assistant. 
  • USS ibn Al-Haytham – Sutherland-class research cruiser, science solutions on the go!

Each of these assets represents the strength, versatility, and spirit of Task Force 17, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team effort that brought them to life. This is just another example of what we can achieve when we come together.

 

Fiction Updates

USS Yamato – Captain Solaris McLaren takes command of the USS Yamato and assembles her senior staff before setting out on an unexpected mission – a prototype weapon has been stolen from Starfleet, and is said to be up for sale to the highest bidder. Starfleet Intelligence has less of a plan than is expected of them, and the Captain decides on a daring undercover mission – she herself will lead an away team to retrieve the missing tech. 

USS Callisto – After several transfers, Captain Aldris Ceix and his crew set course to Liraxa IV, where a conflict between the two opposing Liraxan tribes is on the verge of escalating. As he attempts to diffuse the situation with diplomacy, his First Officer Brennan and Chief of Security Keller set out on an away mission to recover a lost artifact that promises to bring peace to the Liraxan people by allowing them to connect with each other telepathically. They are accompanied by four scholars, discover the artifact… and witness it being destroyed by one of them. Together with their science team, they manage to figure out a way for the telepathic bridge to be created artificially, but the Liraxan government rejects this solution and sends the Callisto on its way. Only weeks later, the mood on the ship changes drastically as the Callisto follows a distress signal and comes across a destroyed civilian shuttle. The crew decides to follow the warp signature left behind by the attacker, still unsure about what happened – until they receive a broadcast with an inventory of parts extracted from ex Borg drones.

Hecate Station / USS Gemini – A new CO and crew assemble on Hecate Station. Their arrival is not without its pitfalls, however, as the station they find is unlike a normal pristine Federation base. The crew must settle in while navigating the unique situations aboard the base. The civilian population of the base must also adapt to their changing circumstances as the new Starfleet crew begins to work on cleaning up the station.

USS Anaheim –  Callum, now a Starfleet commander, returns to Earth and visits the Academy, reflecting on the nostalgia of his cadet days. He meets Rear Admiral T’rririk, who suggests that his ship conduct an early cadet training cruise. It’s a unique opportunity to train cadets and allow Callum’s relatively young crew to gain leadership experience. 

USS Rubidoux –  After coming across an infected ship on the verge of becoming its own unique life-form and under attack by Klingons, the Rubidoux is severely damaged and makes its way back to Starbase Bravo, where the crew is rescued and given a new ship – a New Orleans-class, that carries on the legacy of their previous ship in crew and name. 

USS Erigone – Lieutenant Commander Katris is preparing to take command of her own starship. Upon returning to her quarters, she finds Motar, a Klingon engineer whose family’s house betrayed her own during a past alliance, waiting to speak with her. Despite her resentment, she agrees to hear him out. Motar explains his regret over his father’s decision to break the pact between their houses, which led to the destruction of his family’s legacy. Having joined Starfleet to find redemption and rebuild his honor, Motar appeals to Katris for a chance to serve under her command. Katris ultimately decides to assign Motar as chief engineer of the Erigone. 

USS Lakota / Deep Space 11 – Following their mission to Eridanus, Fleet Captain Nazir is court martialed for failing to carry out her mission and for failing to uphold Starfleet’s ideals. The process is difficult for all involved. To spare everyone further difficulty, Nazir accepts a voluntary demotion to Captain and is placed on indefinite medical leave. The ship receives a new CO in the form of Giarvar Kauhn, as well as a new XO, Commander Karina Martin, the prosecutor from the Nazir court martial. Weeks later the Lakota, along with the USS Hypatia, is sent to the Zaran system to monitor the USS Proteus which has discovered something in a nearby nebula.

USS Proteus – In the wake of the Nazir court martial newly promoted Captain Noli Auru, the former XO of the USS Lakota is assigned to the USS Proteus. Crew from across the fleet, including a new XO, is filtered in to bring the ship up to strength. Captain Noli must bring the crew together as they prepare for their first mission. Weeks later, as the Proteus is on a humanitarian mission to Zaran IV, the ship detects a Borg transmitter signal coming from within the nearby Etrada Nebula. Tasked with discovering the source of the signal, the Proteus heads for the nebula, despite trepidation from those members of the crew unfortunate enough to be assimilated during the events of Frontier Day. Upon arrival within the nebula the Proteus discovers the source of the signal, a large and menacing space station containing Borg technology.

USS Hypatia – Following Captain Kauhn’s transfer to the USS Lakota, the crew of the Hypatia awaits their new CO: Captain James Ryan. The crew must deal with a reluctant new CO, and the evolving situation in the Zaran system as they are sent there alongside the USS Lakota, to monitor the status of the USS Proteus.

USS Harmony – Commanding Officer Ava Amanin is haunted by a nightmare of a tragic war memory where she mercy-killed her XO and friend, to spare her from the enemy. Waking drenched in sweat, she reflects on how the comforts of Starfleet have suppressed these memories, but their current mission near the Veil of Shadows brings them rushing back. The Harmony arrives early at their destination, with the USS Normandy trailing behind. At a senior staff meeting, Ava reveals their mission: to cross the hazardous Veil of Shadows into the Nebulon Expanse. The region houses six civilizations and the Iron Syndicate, a rogue machine army threatening to escape and potentially surpass the Borg in danger. With limited intelligence and communication cut off once inside, the mission demands preparation for survival.

 

Task Force Recognition

Awards

Promotions


Conclusion

More than anything, I’ve watched this Task Force grow into a true family. Somewhere along the way, I was given the nickname “TFDAD,” and I wore it with pride and humility. Like any proud parent, I find myself celebrating the successes of every single Seventeener, whether they’re still with us or contributing their talents elsewhere in the fleet.

This journey has been one of growth, resilience, and joy. Task Force 17 is stronger than ever, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it. To each of you, thank you for being part of this story. Let’s keep going, let’s keep growing, and let’s keep boldly moving forward together. Audācēs nāvigāmus in altum!

 

SEVENTEEN

Callen Varro Deputy Operations Officer
Task Force 17