It soon became obvious that we were but on the threshold of the discovery.
– The Diary of Howard Carter. 

The batteries have been charged, the sensor palettes dusted off and someone has already put the coffee pot on to industrial strength, the New Frontiers Campaign is here! And with it a plethora of opportunities for our pathfinders and pioneers near and far. As our adventures begin in the Shackleton Expanse, please join us in a quick look back at the past few months before we set our eyes on the horizon. 

The events of Wargames put all our members to the test in feats of speed, skill and knowledge. Whilst our allegiances may have been split between Gold Squadron and Blue Squadron as we put our orange banners to one side, we are all united in our congratulations to our very own Michael Angelus for claiming a spot on the final podium! 

The last few months have also seen a shuffle of our staffing roster when Song So-Mi (aka Ceres) took a step back from their work with Task Group 13. I’m sure I speak for both myself and Harper when I extend my thanks to Ceres for their work as part of our Task Force team. Filled with seemingly boundless energy and an endless source of creative drive, we wish them good luck with their next adventure! 

Picking up the baton is Michael Angelus (aka Maikull), who steps up to the plate as Task Group Commander for TG13. They’re already making a mark as part of our team, and we’re sure they’ll be finding new and exciting ways to help Task Force 47 continue to grow. 

As we begin to take our first steps into the new frontier of the Shackleton Expanse, please join us in taking a moment to consider what has come before.

Fiction Updates 

• Atlantis Exploratory Squadron – USS Bismarck comes under fire by Breen Raiders after uncovering an artifact from the Cordemi Dynasty. USS Canopus arrives in time to save them and takes over the investigation. The jewel is dated to be over 500,000 years old, tied to the Cor System. The USS Argonaut is dispatched to scout the system and discovers a large fleet of alien ships. As the Canopus flies to the aid of the Argonaut, Commodore Theodoras requests that the USS Perseus arrive to take over diplomatic talks.

• Hypatia Research Cruiser Division – Starfleet’s expansion into the Shackleton Expanse faces danger from the ruthless Draxan Imperium. As the starships of Hypatia Division answer a distress call from USS Wasp as it protects refugees, Captain Gor must step up to take command of a situation that will test every single crew member’s beliefs. 

• Starbase 11 Division – Aboard Starbase 11, a mysterious interaction with a telepathic entity seems to have after effects when Commander Novak wakes to find a message scrawled on the screen. The consequences of ‘The Watcher’ may be longer-reaching than anyone first believed.  

• USS Ascension – Ascension returns to frontline service and begins its mission in the Thomar Expanse, where the cushy surroundings play host to a young Yomaji priestess needing transport from her homeworld to a holy temple several light-years away. The chance of making friends and allies in the tumultuous region is high on the crew’s list of considerations, but when a third party takes a hostile interest, that chance might be out the airlock.

• USS Chawla – Following the events of Nightfall, Chawla works with Sausalito to bring the damaged USS Bell Rock back to safe harbour. Unfortunately, the Arachnid nebula holds secret foes and more than one ship will be limping home.

• USS Fox – USS Fox has made its way across the quadrant after thwarting an Orian Dilithium raiding ring in the Arachnid Nebula. Now home among the Thomar Expanse, Commander Michael Angelus sets out to familiarize himself with his new posting, and discovers the various dangers that lurk around every nebula!

• USS Sausalito – The USS Sausalito and its crew has taken the last few months after the Shore Leave and Task Force 47 dinner to get some much needed time to breathe. The crew has spent their time resupplying, upgrading equipment, earning promotions, and contemplating whether new orders may or may not be on the horizon. 

• USS Wasp – USS Wasp, after many months of filling operational needs all across the quadrant, has finally been assigned to Fourth Fleet’s Task Force 47, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Song So-Mi! The Wasp will be making her debut in the Shackleton Expanse alongside the USS Hypatia, against the tyrannical Draxan Imperium!

Task Force Recognition

Awards

• Commander Song So-Mi – Silver Palm, Star Cross
• Lieutenant Commander Michael Angelus – Star for Distinguished Service, Star Cross
• Commodore Tikva Theodoras – Meritorious Service Cross
• Captain Aryanna Rigras – Medal of Achievement
• Lieutenant Len Hopad – Medal of Achievement

Promotions

• Cain Solar’ – Cadet Junior Grade
• Avar Bloodborn – Cadet Freshman Grade, Cadet Sophomore Grade
• Michael – Cadet Freshman Grade, Cadet Sophomore Grade
• Vincent Watson – Cadet Freshman Grade, Cadet Sophomore Grade
• Dev’kal Shriv – Cadet Freshman Grade
• Jethias – Cadet Freshman Grade

Conclusion

The future is full of exciting opportunities, and the unknown calls to us all from the edges of the maps. Task Force 47 will continue to be at the forefront of the Fourth Fleet’s endeavours. Whether it’s negotiating for the future or bringing goodwill to our newest friends amongst the unknown of the Shackleton Expanse, our valiant pathfinders look forward to seeing you out amongst the stars.