PAO | 38th Fleet Updates

[Beylara-Ailes_]

Dawn on the 38th Fleet's Horizon

ALLCON:

Grief has laid upon our fleet for over a month now. The feeling will never truly fade. Friends, family, loved ones--all lost in a horrific event which will mark every one who was present for a lifetime. Even as we struggle to come to terms with what has happened, we must remember that life continues; with or without us.

As easy as it is to focus upon our losses, as tempting as it is to wallow in anger, we must never forget that the living remain. There are those around us who need us, and we need each other. Remember that no one lives in a vacuum, our lives touch those around us, and that we still do, even as we ache with what we've lost. A single gesture may not be enough to heal someone, but a multitude of gestures shared between us weaves into a great tapestry of healing, of helping.

It is with this in mind that I'd like to begin a regular publication. Not everyone can be present to see the little things that happen on ships, or on station. Not everyone can partake personally and in present of the healing. As we repair Deep Space 13, let us repair ourselves, as well.

This particular article, I'd like to focus on what the Counseling department is doing. Not only are their efforts on behalf of the traumatized as heroic as any tactical officer in the heat of battle, it is more extended in time. They continue to counsel and heal, long after the battle is over. Their work is not finished, will never be finished.

Their efforts to improve morale never cease. From Icebreakers to Holiday events, to group therapies and group meals, they are dedicated to their cause. Currently, they are running a campaign of gift exchanges in honor of the holiday season. It is a yearly tradition that the 38th Fleet has had for several years and refused to give up even in the light of current events. Recruiting smiling assistants, the morale department had gifts delivered from secret partners to cheer and encourage the recipients.

If you signed up for this gift exchange, enjoy! If you did not, try to be around sometime when a gift is delivered. The sudden, surprise happiness is a balm to an aching heart. To those who volunteered their time to deliver gifts, you have our thanks.

Nightwatch is the Thylizine holiday of the longest night. We wait out the darkness in order to see the sun return. It is very dark right now, but there are the glimmers of light on the horizon. Repairs are underway, and people's lives begin to rebuild. I look forward to sharing more of the breaking dawn in future publications. Thank you for your time.

Lieutenant Commander Gira Moen Niya is the Public Affairs Officer of the 38th Fleet. Any questions regarding this article can be directed to her on K-7.

[Beylara-Ailes_]

Deep Space 13, the Phoenix

ALLCON:

Reports have been flying back and forth since the tragic events at Deep Space 13. The evacuation was not only a shocking event because of the massive undertaking it has been, but because many people considered a station to be one of the safest places to live.

Starship officers leave friends and family behind on Deep Space stations as they depart on each mission into the unknown. The day-to-day of a station is often more about diplomacy and scientific experiments than battle and chaos. At least, Deep Space 13 was so. It was a home to many, a duty station to others, and a livelihood to still more.

Knowing parts of it were blasted out into the stars has been a scarring experience for many.

Reports have come in that repairs have not only begun, they are coming along. There is life support on a portion of the station and a team of engineers, led by Lieutenant Rizar Visynth, have moved in. They are working tirelessly on improving parts of the station, one section at a time, until it is to be livable again.

Of course, more missions will be required to improve it enough to get operations officers and science officers back into their labs and offices and stations. Each time ships go out to bring supplies, or shore up broken sections of station, a heartfelt cheer sweeps through K-7. The officers left behind who cannot assist maintain things in the meantime while the engineers and their helpers work--and sometimes risk their lives--to bring Deep Space 13 from the ashes.

Work will go on for some time, but it is quite a hopeful step, seeing people living on the station once more. This is Starfleet, this is the Federation. We will rebuild. We will come back. And here, like the legendary phoenix, is a shining example of our determination to succeed.

Lieutenant Commander Gira Moen Niya is the Public Affairs Officer of the 38th Fleet. Any questions regarding this article can be directed to her on K-7.

[Beylara-Ailes_]

New Blood, New Vitality

ALLCON:

It is a situation that is all too familiar to long-serving Starfleet officers. Facing new commanding officers, unfamiliar with how one’s structure is bound to change. The 38th Fleet and Deep Space 13 are both handling changes under new commanders now.

Vice Admiral Enzian Amiri has stepped into the role of Commanding Officer of the 38th Fleet and has settled in. Quickly establishing a working relationship with his Executive Officer, Squadron Commanders and other Captains, he shows the Fleet a strong appearance and willingness to communicate. The presence of Rear Admiral Konieczko represents a connection to the fleet’s past, and ways to ease the transition.

Even Deep Space 13 is seeing changes. Not only is it being reconstructed with ever more success--the arrival of the remaining station officers is imminent--but its new Commanding Officer, Captain Caspius is a shakeup on his own. His dedication to order and efficiency, while a strong force as Executive officer, is even more felt now. His driving presence behind the final reconstruction of the station has hastened its reopening.

It is in times like these, that we wish to remind the fleet’s officers that change can be difficult and painful, or it can be freeing and exciting. Take this opportunity of change for the best. Take heart from your new Commanding Officers’ fresh energy and learn from their outstanding traits.

It is a time of fresh starts for all of us.

Lieutenant Commander Gira Moen Niya is the Public Affairs Officer of the 38th Fleet. Any questions regarding this article can be directed to her on K-7.

[Beylara-Ailes_]

Arise Triumphant

ALLCON:

It was a touching sight a few evenings ago. Dress uniforms lined up before the transporter pad as personnel, including the Fleet’s Admirals, were beamed and welcomed aboard. The hallways of the Embassy echoed with more footsteps than its lonely halls had heard in months; down to the lounge so many are familiar with, a cheerily-crackling fireplace a warm welcome to those who had traveled from K-7 and ships to return to their home and duty station, Deep Space 13.

Captain Caspius left nothing to be desired: a formal welcome, a dazzling array of hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a string ensemble to softly fill in quiet moments as returning officers reflected on the changes in their lives. It was not a somber air, however, but one of celebration. Deep Space 13 rose from the ashes like the legendary Phoenix, and many officers stepped foot on the station looking forward to re-establishing old haunts.

The officers already on the station welcomed back their comrades with open arms. Their undaunted efforts were the reason the station personnel and support officers were able to return at all, let alone in as efficient as manner as they have. Captain Caspius was effusive in his praise of these officers. “...it is my perception that the crew of DS13, not I, deserve the credit for the expeditiousness of our return to operations.”

Admiral Dmitri Konieczko had this to say regarding the work done by steadfast officers rebuilding the station: "I cannot speak highly enough of Captain Caspius and those that have assisted in the repairs. Every person assigned has done an incredible job to return Deep Space 13 to the Starfleet and Federation hub that it was and will continue to be in the region."

The celebration kicked off when Captain Caspius gave a welcoming toast to the Admirals--and in turn, the returning officers--something in keeping with the times and appropriate to the Captain’s reputation as efficient and straightforward. It was received with warmth and smiles from the gathered, as everyone knew how meaningful a sentiment it really was.

Even with all the celebrations and joy the night has sowed for the officers on Deep Space 13, there are future endeavours and challenges to look towards. As Rear Admiral Konieczko said: "The crew returning to Deep Space 13 is a significant milestone, but we still aren't at the end of our road to rebuilding. The number of crew that are assigned here will be bolstered to our previous complement and then the plan is for our civilian populace to return."

The future crew of Deep Space 13 will find a new home, built from the hard work of those who have come before. Their arrival marks more healing for those who survived the unfortunate events of the past. Vice Admiral Amiri is amongst those who look ahead. “The hard work is behind us now,” he stated, “With our return, the focus shifts to the future. I ask that every crew member strive to welcome and guide the influx of new officers and enlisted that will join us over the coming months. Meet new people and build new friendship, but never forget those that will not be making their return.”

With that in mind, let us turn to the future and welcome our new comrades. Here’s to new friendships and old, to progress and healing. Cheers to those of you joining us in our journeys.

To those who’ve made the final journey, we offer the old blessing: Fair winds and following seas.

Lieutenant Commander Gira Moen Niya is the Public Affairs Officer of the 38th Fleet. Any questions regarding this article can be directed to her at the Public Affairs Office on Deep Space 13.

[Beylara-Ailes_]

False Fronts and Future Promise

ALLCON:

The history of the U.S.S. Gainsborough is etched into and entwined with the history of the 38th Fleet. Its final state is forever in the memories of those who assisted in the rescue and recovery.

Sharp in the minds of the rescuers is one Rianni Tierno--still a cadet, trapped in the horrific events that took the crew of the Gainsborough on their final journey. Pulled from the wreckage, she came to with no memory prior to her rescue.

Her schooling continued, and she reintegrated herself into the affairs on Deep Space 13 and grew to have a circle of friends.

When the Junayd attacked the Azedi Confederacy at Deep Space 13 during the now-infamous peace talks, no one knew why they had shown up. Fortunately, rapid investigation was able to distinguish unapproved communications being sent to the Junayd: from Cadet Tierno. She was arrested, and eventually admitted to being a construct created by the Junayd to investigate the Federation.

Her questioning was lengthy, and it was eventually established she sent messages her entire stay on Deep Space 13. Captain Quint was able to utilise her to send a message to the Junayd.

When the Junayd sent a ship in response, they threatened to destroy the station if their construct was not returned. At this point, Rear Admiral Konieczko negotiated terms: the return of their construct in return for peaceful negotiations. The Junayd agreed, the false Cadet was beamed aboard the ship--which promptly self-destructed.

The Junayd eventually kept their word, sending a negotiator to speak with the Rear and Vice Admirals--the construct’s life was not lost in vain. In fact, to the best of anyone’s knowledge, it was not lost at all. The very negotiator they provided was the construct that investigated the Federation all that time. It even wore the medals she had been awarded with during her stay.

The negotiations ended in a compact of non-aggression, with no further contact aside from that. In addition, the Junayd provided us with a person who was apparently kept in stasis and has been claimed to be the original Rianni Tierno. She is currently under medical supervision.

The news about Cadet Tierno’s impersonator is released to make aware those who had interactions with her, on behalf of command’s efforts for communication in this matter. The non-aggression pact with the Junayd is the hope for increasing stability in the region--something that hopefully, the Fleet will benefit from.

Lieutenant Commander Gira Moen Niya is the Public Affairs Officer of the 38th Fleet. Any questions regarding this article can be directed to the Public Affairs Office on Deep Space 13.