Horizon Fleet Research & Development Making Changes
Posted on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 9:43pm by Captain Tobias Naros
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Horizon Fleet Department of Research & Development has recently announced some impending changes to fleet policy regarding the use of cloaking devices, starfighters, and Starfleet Marines aboard Federation starships which I feel you all should be made aware of as they may end up impacting some aspects of our own simulation in the future.
1) The Horizon Fleet community has decided not to make any changes to our current policy regarding cloaking devices aboard Federation starships. This has been a point of conversation on at least two occasions since the community's founding with concerns being raised over how we could operate cloaking devices aboard our vessels when Star Trek canon placed a clear prohibition on the Federation's use of cloaking technology with the only legal exception being the USS Defiant (allowed by an amendment to the Treaty of Algeron). At the same time, there are some who have raised equally valid reasons why the cloaking device makes for an important and often creative tool when simming.
Given that the Legacy-class has never in the past and will likely never in the foreseeable future been eligible for the installation of a cloaking device on any sort of extended or permanent basis, the decision regarding their use will not be affecting us directly.
2) The Horizon Fleet community has decided to restrict the use of starfighters aboard all but a few select classes to a case-by-case basis with those wanting to make use of starfighters needing to consult with the Department of Research & Development. This decision was made with the understanding that most Starfleet vessels are not designed or equipped to support starfighter operations nor have they been seen to do so in canon Star Trek. Those simulations currently making use of their starfighter contingents have been grandfathered in and will be allowed to continue using their starfighters for the time being.
Normally, this would not directly affect the Yorktown as the Legacy-class is not designed to support extended starfighter operations (as we've already discovered this mission). We will continue to host Major Lexon and his contingent of four Phantom-class fighters on a temporary basis until the completion of our first season when they will most likely disembark at our final destination. In accordance with Horizon Fleet policy and the Legacy-class design specifications, there are no further plans for any future hosting of starfighter squadrons at this time.
3) The Horizon Fleet community has also decided to restrict the use of Starfleet Marines aboard all but a few select classes to a case-by-case basis with those wanting to make use of Starfleet Marines needing to consult with the Department of Research & Development. This decision was made with the understanding that most Starfleet vessels are designed chiefly for exploration and diplomacy, are not always equipped to support Starfleet Marines, and have not been seen to do so in canon Star Trek. Those simulations currently making use of their Starfleet Marines have been grandfathered in and will be allowed to continue using their marines for the time being.
This is perhaps the only real policy change that would have any sort of measurable effect on our simulation as the Legacy-class is listed as capable of supporting extended marine operations. I plan to continue operating the marine department as a non-playing department under the command of First Lieutenant Michael Watters (PNPC) for the foreseeable future. In accordance with Horizon Fleet policy, there are no further plans to expand or activate as a playing department the Starfleet Marine contingent at this time.
The Department of Research & Development will be working to develop formal policies regarding the use of these technologies aboard Horizon Fleet simulations as well as the processes by which Commanding Officers may petition for temporary or extended exemptions. Watch for more information on these new policies as well as possible in-character explanations as they become available! Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to me via private message.
Respectfully,
Captain Tobias Naros
Commanding Officer
USS Yorktown NCC-88288
Eighth "Horizon" Fleet
Category: Community News
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