Spotlight On: Starfleet

by Charlie Plaine, Chairman

6th July 2008

"Today we're about to cross a new threshold. For nearly a century, we've waded ankle-deep in the ocean of space. Now it's finally time to swim." - Admiral Maxwell Forrest

Story

From Memory Alpha: "Launched in the year 2151, the NX-class starship Enterprise (the first of United Earth's advanced warp-five vessels) was at first on temporary assignment. Though years of preparation still lay ahead, the ship was unexpectedly put into service when a Klingon national crash-landed on Earth, putting the entire planet at stake should he not make it back to his people. Under the command of United Earth Starfleet Captain Jonathan Archer, son of the famed scientist Henry Archer, the crew of Enterprise succeeded in their mission, but found themselves surrounded by deeper mysteries. Warranting the extension of their assignment into a full-blown mission of deep space exploration, the crew of the Enterprise set off into the unknown, taking with them a Vulcan science officer (or chaperone) named T'Pol and a Denobulan doctor named Phlox.

Enterprise's first years were rocky; while the ship made contact with such species as the Suliban and the previously-mentioned Klingons, such contact was not peaceful. In its first two years alone, the ship's crew found themselves in armed conflict with a range of species from the Tholians to the Coridan to the Borg... and things only got worse. By its third year in space, an alien species known as the Xindi brutally attacked Earth, killing millions.

The NX-01 was dispatched to a remote and previously uncharted area of space known as the Delphic Expanse in order to prevent the Xindi from completing their ultimate goal of destroying Humanity. While the ship was successful, after nearly a year in the Expanse, it suffered severe damage and many losses.

Upon returning home, Enterprise served a more diplomatic role in the service of United Earth, easing relations between the Vulcans, the Andorians, and the Tellarites, and paving the way toward a Coalition of Planets, an alliance that would eventually lead to the founding of the United Federation of Planets. Though still often tumultuous, Enterprise continued its mission of exploration as well, bringing Humans in contact with even more new worlds and new civilizations.

Throughout its ten year voyage, the events of Enterprise shaped the next generation of space exploration. Enterprise was truly the first to "boldly go where no man had gone before..." "

The Crew

Captain Jonathan Archer was the famous son of the inventor of the Warp 5 Engine, Jonathan Archer. A career soldier and skilled pilot, Archer paved the way for Humanity's role in intergalactic affairs. Though not trained as a diplomat, his natural ability to inspire others would be fundamental to the formation of the United Federation of Planets.

T'Pol was assigned by the Vulcan High Command to Enterprise in order to observe the Humans' first mission, but decided to stay as she gained significant respect for their attitude and abilities. Eventually, she would resign from Vulcan's service and join Starfleet for the remainder of their first mission.

Lt. Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III assisted during the development of the Warp 5 Engine and was the natural choice for chief engineer. Though Tucker tended to be biased against non-Humans and driven by his emotions, he was a loyal and reliable officer. Ironically, he was most attracted to the logical T'Pol, making for a tumultuous relationship between the two officers.

Lt. Malcolm Reed served aboard Enterprise as security and tactical officer, and was responsible for many Starfleet protocols used since aboard starships. Reed had a background in intelligence prior to serving aboard Enterprise, and was known to have connections to the rogue agency Section 31.

Ensign Hoshi Sato was a gifted linguist that knew dozens of languages and could learn new ones in minutes - skills essential to the success of Starfleet's first mission. Initially hesitant and unsure of her abilities, she quickly grew her "space legs" and served as an invaluable member of Archer's crew.

Ensign Travis Mayweather was born in space and lived most of his life aboard cargo ships - a "boomer." He joined Starfleet in order to serve aboard the new Warp 5 ships, and quickly demonstrated his loyalty and his considerable skill. Enterprise survived many difficult situations solely because of Mayweather's superior piloting skill.

Phlox was a Denobulan doctor serving on Earth as part of the Interspecies Medical Exchange, but was recruited to serve aboard Enterprise after first contact with the Klingons. Phlox's unique point of view served as a guide to Humanity's first steps into interstellar diplomacy, and his skill allowed the crew to survive the bumps and bruises of early exploration.

In-Game

Starfleet appeared in game with the arrival of To Boldly Go, and is the only affiliation to make their debut in Second Edition prior to First Edition. (A separate product - The Enterprise Collection - added Starfleet to First Edition as well.) The MACOs appear in These Are the Voyages, and In a Mirror, Darkly gives Starfleet their evil doppelgangers (from the Mirror Universe). All sets prior to To Boldly Go contain useful cards for the Starfleet player as well.

Head over to our forum and discuss your favorite Starfleet episodes, vote in our Starfleet polls, and talk about your favorite Starfleet decks and strategies. Stay tuned this week for lots more Starfleet content!