GFC Winter Bi-Annual Ball 2014/15

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Comman....I mean, Captain Sophie Johnson reporting. "Captain" is a rank I'm never going to get used to. You find yourself standing up at the podium, presenting your acceptance speech and the awards and promotions don't quite sink in straight away.

A lot of time and effort was put into this year's Winter Bi-Annual Ball. You had people from across the fleet providing assistance wherever they could - a joint effort of talent to create a masterpiece that everyone could be proud of. After all, the masterpiece represents all the hard work that each individual puts in every day; that's why the Bi-Annual Ball is such a fantastic event to be at.

Although, you can't forget the men and women behind the scenes of the event - making sure it runs smoothly. Without their cooperation and attention, the Ball wouldn't have been a big of a success as it was. The doors opened at 1pm SLT, with the ball starting promptly at 2pm.

Pre-Dance Event organized by Social Events!

Admiral Snapper Desade and the Social Events team put together a big pre-Ball Dance event in the Galaxy Plaza outside the Roddenberry at 10am SLT. Anyone and everyone could come along, grab their dancing shoes; a partner and dance away until the main event. Over the coming hours, members and guests flooded into the Plaza in their attire and relaxed with friends and colleagues until it was time to step up.

As you stepped through off the turbolift inside the Roddenberry, a chime could be heard from the doors at the end of the corridor as you approached them. As they chime open, you become exposed to a mixture of excitement and nervousness. A fantastic ball scene - built by the miracle workers in Engineering - based around the theme the people voted for: Orions!

Orions sweep the room!

RoBo....I mean, Terzon and his "groupies" announced the start of the main event. In an attempt to take control of the Ajax, Terzon offered to give Vice-Fleet Admiral Mechanique a dance in honor of the friendly relationship between the Syndicate and the Federation. Unable to resist the luxurious women before him, he provided the Orions with access to his ship.....or did he? Allowing the Orions time to believe they have control of the flagship, the Vice-Fleet Admiral turned the tables by pointing the ships weapons at this very location - backed into a corner, the Orion women questioned the Vice-Fleet Admiral about the situation. He revealed that Terzon contacted Starfleet about the active Syndicate cell on the planet and that it had already been taken care of.

An amazing roleplay to kickstart what would be a great event for all!

Special Thanks to:

Cobramax Mechanique who played himself

RoBobby McMillan who played Terzon and creator of the storyline

Langy Moorlord who played the Admiral's entourage (last-minute!)

Debbydo who played Mendora

T'Lara Ek'Tal (melodyparis) who played Variel

LKG01A Duke who played Sterova

As the roleplay finished, each participant joined the rest of the attendees at tables built and provided by Merky (richmerk). The scene itself reminiscent of the typical Orion scenes seen around the Star Trek TV franchises seen broadcast. An excellent replica built by Merky and his Engineering gnomes! A big thank you must go out to them for their hard-work so that the Ball could take place!

Fleet Admiral Katrina Bixby and Vice-Fleet Admiral Cobramax Mechanique took their places at the head of the room, people were called up in alphabetical order in groups of ten at a time to accept their awards and/or promotions and present their speeches.

Officers bow down in front of the Admiralty as they prepare to give their speeches!

Over the passing hours, many brilliant officers gave their inspiring speeches to the rest of the audience. Words that were spoken were ones of solitude and meaning - heartfelt words that officers of the fleet understood and reciprocated. The Bi-Annual Ball is an emotional time for the officers of the fleet, rewarded for their hard work and exceptional effort over the previous six month and the day comes when they're allowed to kick back and enjoy themselves.

After the awards and promotions were collected, everyone gathered outside for a sublime fireworks show put together by newly promoted Admiral TimoL McMillan! Now is was time for the dancing and celebratory drinking to commence!

Fantastic fireworks display by TimoL McMillan to send the dancing away!

The list of officers who received awards and promotions is listed below.

•• Galaxy Star ••
Ai Kikuchiyo - Strategic Operations
Cobramax Mechanique - Strategic Operations
Debbydo - Engineering, Command, Social Events, Galaxy Radio
Falatapus - Social Events, Galaxy Radio, Recruitment
Iceman (iceman.nirpaw) - Tactical
Isilmeriel - Tactical
Jailan - Research
Jamie089 - Recruitment
JD Matova - Command
Jez Enzo - Recruitment
Katrina Bixby - Command
Moonglow (shanna.oxygen) - Command, Strategic Operations
Nathen Rexen - Tactical
Penelopeperil - Strategic Operations
Richardjrn Weatherwax - Galaxy Radio, Research, Command
Richmerk - Library, Galaxy Radio, Command, Recruitment
RoBobby McMillan - Command
Rsd58 Congrejo - Recruitment
Snapper Desade - Command, Galaxy Radio, Recruitment
Songlord - Strategic Operations
TimoL McMillan - Command
Wolferein Foxdale - Engineering, Library, Tactical

•• Legion of Merit ••
Ai Kikuchiyo - Medical
Andromeda Quonset - Command
Angelis Bourne - Command
Benjamin Brougham - Engineering
BunE Rabbit - Strategic Operations
Debbydo - Tactical
Falatapus - Galaxy Radio, Recruitment
Iceman (iceman.nirpaw) - Tactical
Isilmeriel - Tactical
JacieIslander - Strategic Operations
Jamie089 - Recruitment
Jez Enzo - Recruitment
Kendra Mollsen - AAC, Recruitment
LdnG - Recruitment
LKG01A Duke - Tactical
Melodyparis - Medical, Strategic Operations
MJ Mathy - Social Events
Monkeyman Firethorn - Strategic Operations
Moonglow (shanna.oxygen) - Social Events, Command
Nathen Rexen - Tactical
Penelopeperil - Medical, Strategic Operations
Phedre Aonifall - AAC
Razor Indigo - Strategic Operations
Richardjrn Weatherwax - Social Events, Galaxy Radio
Richmerk - Library, Galaxy Radio, Recruitment
Rsd58 Congrejo - Recruitment
Sereana Westland - AAC, Strategic Operations
Snapper Desade - Galaxy Radio, Security, Tactical, Recruitment
Songlord - Strategic Operations
Sophie Johnson - Security, Strategic Operations
Tailsy Dash (tails8) - Strategic Operations
Tatiana (paradox0013) - Strategic Operations
Tod Vlodovic - Strategic Operations
Wolferein Foxdale - Social Events, Library, Tactical
Yaz (batlhtlhutlh) - Strategic Operations

•• Commendation ••
Debbydo - Academy
Emilie DeSantis - AAC
LdnG - Academy
LittleReta Strikes - AAC
Marystuart4 - Security
Melodyparis - Strategic Operations
Michaelandrew.quan - Academy
Michel Rosenstrauch - AAC
Monkeyman Firethorn - AAC
Penelopeperil - Academy
Renari.Ishtari - Academy
RoBobby McMillan - Academy
Rsd58 Congrejo - Medical
S'Age Ein'veh (zhengli) - Medical, Academy, AAC
Sereana Westland - AAC
Silke Horten - Security
Tailsy Dash (tails8) - AAC
Tatiana (paradox0013) - AAC

•• Red Crest ••
Debbydo - Engineering, Command
Falo Priestman - Command
Gokyu Ugajin - Command
Kylie Shergood - AAC
Nathen Rexen - Tactical
Richmerk - Engineering, Command, Library, Tactical, Recruitment

•• Achievement ••
Braxx Juventa - Library
Kendra Mollsen - Library
Kizna DeAllura (kizna.oh) - Tactical
Melodyparis - Medical
Razor Indigo - Medical
RoBobby McMillan - Library
Sunshine Hotshot (sunshine.yatsenko) - Tactical

•• Meritorious ••
Debbydo - Academy
Gimonia Horten - Security
Rsd58 Congrejo - Medical, Security
S'Age Ein'veh (zhengli) - Academy

•• Promotions ••
Ai Kikuchiyo - Lt. Commander > Commander :: Medical, Strategic Operations
Benjamin Brougham - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Engineering
BlueAgate - Lieutenant > Lt. Commander :: AAC, Medical
Braxx Juventa - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Library
BunE Rabbit - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Command
Cobramax Mechanique - Admiral > Vice-Fleet Admiral :: Recruitment, Command
Debbydo - Captain > Commodore :: Engineering, Command, Social Events, Galaxy Radio, Tactical
Isilmeriel - Lieutenant > Lt. Commander :: Engineering, Tactical
Jailan - Commander > Captain :: Research
Josh Eun - Ensign > Lieutenant JG :: AAC
Kendra Mollsen - Commander > Captain :: Library, Recruitment
Kizna DeAllura (kizna.oh) - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Tactical
Langy Moorlord - Lt. Commander > Commander :: Engineering, Social Events
LdnG - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Academy, Recruitment
LKG01A Duke - Lt. Commander > Commander :: Tactical
Melodyparis - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Medical, Strategic Operations
Michel Rosenstrauch - Captain > Commodore :: AAC, Communications, Security
Monkeyman Firethorn - Commander > Captain :: AAC
Moonglow (shanna.oxygen) - Ensign > Lieutenant JG :: Command, Strategic Operations
Nathen Rexen - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Tactical
Penelopeperil - Lt. Commander > Commander :: Medical, Academy, Security, Strategic Operations
Renari.Ishtari - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Academy
Richardjrn Weatherwax - Commodore > Rear Admiral :: Engineering, Command, Social Events, Galaxy Radio, Tactical, Research
Richmerk - Lt. Commander > Commander :: Engineering, Command, Library, Tactical, Recruitment
RoBobby McMillan - Commodore > Rear Admiral :: Library
Rsd58 Congrejo - Commander > Captain :: Security, Recruitment, Medical
Snapper Desade - Vice Admiral > Admiral :: Engineering, Command, Galaxy Radio, Tactical, Recruitment
Sophie Johnson - Commander > Captain :: Security, Command, Strategic Operations
Tailsy Dash (tails8) - Ensign > Lieutenant JG :: AAC
Tatiana (paradox0013) - Ensign > Lieutenant JG :: AAC
Thatgirlccl - Ensign > Lieutenant JG :: AAC
TimoL McMillan - Vice Admiral > Admiral :: Command
Tod Vlodovic - Lieutenant JG > Lieutenant :: Medical
Wolferein Foxdale - Lieutenant > Lt. Commander :: Engineering, Library, Tactical

Now, I'm not sure about the rest of you but I'm *pretty* sure that I've left people out. Don't get me wrong, the Ball is a special time of year that only happens twice a year - but we can't forget those who worked behind the scenes to make the Ball happen. My special thanks goes to the following:

Debbydo, Merky (richmerk), Wolfie (wolferein.foxdale), Snapper Desade, Cobramax Mechanique, Richardjrn Weatherwax, Kendra Mollsen, Social Events, Engineering, the Command Division and many many more!

Let's go make sure we have another fantastic six month, folks!

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Winter Ball 2014-15 Pictures by Snapper Desade - Link Here
Winter Ball 2014-15 Preparations - Link Here
Summer Ball 2014 - Link Here

Debbydo is awesome!

4th July 2013 Event

Most countries have a national holiday of some sort and one of the most famous throughout the world is American Independence Day which is held on the 4th of July every year.

For those who live under a rock with no sunlight and knowledge of the world, it was the day America (or not so it seems) declared their independence from the british in 1776....yeah, over 200 years ago.

Not only is it a holiday, but a good excuse for people to spend time with family members, its popular, if not in some households expected to drag the barbecue out of the shed or garage, break all fire hazard rules and throw some grilled meat on the fire.  Hotdogs and a cold beer are also very traditional food and beverage consumed by those celebrating ID4 day. There would also be parades, picnics and a variety of public events and not forgetting of course the firework displays which light up the sky.

4th of july isn't only just limited to the real world, we celebrated it in the virtual world of secondlife aswell. Wolfie and Rick Merk had laid down banners, tables and chairs, free hats, flags and sparklers were available to pick up on Sovereign beach for those who wanted to come down and have some fun, music was playing and people came and danced, Songlord put on a really cool firework display in the middle of the lake where we had a giant statue of liberty. Gooveshark101 added a dance floor and some lights he also sailed people round the lake in his speedboat giving them a different view of the fireworks going off.

Debbydo & Social Events made sure there was someone on hand so the event ran for around 12 hours, if you had popped into the GFC yesterday there was a good chance you could have partaken in the festivities. As many people as possible where given a chance to at least be part of the occasion irrespective what time zone they were in.

Photos of the event        --> HERE

Funny & Educational
Video about 4th July       --> HERE

GFC Bi-Annual Winter Ball 2012 (held Jan 19th 2013)

Its that time again to dust of your dress uniform, write your speech and prepare for the GFC Bi-Annual ball, the biggest event the the groups calendar.

In previous years we have seen themes like "Search for Spock", "Fair Haven" and "Captain Proton" for the event. This Bi-Annual Ball theme was "Engineering" focusing on the tagline "Warp to the Future", which was a way for us to look ahead to what 2013 will hold.

At around 12 noon onwards people started appearing at the Roddenberry center in Galaxy Sim, for some it was their first glance at the set which was created specially for the ball, the lead builder on the set construction was Richmerk Resident who did a fantastic job conveying an engineering design mixed in with a areas for members to sit in front of specially made console styled tables.

Pictures of star trek engineers were placed across the walls at the back of the room where the warp core stood, with nice touches below being the cooling turbines just under the core, giving it a modern yet retro feel. This area was use for the post ball dancing at the end and RP which was to follow the award ceremony.

The head table at the other side of the room was where Fleet Admiral Katrina Bixby and Admiral Cobramax  Mechanique sat in 60's sci-fi style egg shaped chairs. Either side of them were strips for those coming up to collect their awards and promotions to stand before reading their speeches out at the podium in front. It gave those receiving awards the opportunity to be standing close to the group leaders.

Once people had settled down and found their seats it was time for the proceedings to start.

First event on the schedule was a Quiz, A large board behind the admirals gave instructions on how to register by simply clicking on the board. Richardjrn Weatherwax who created the quiz device, came up to the podium and set the quiz rolling. Once you had registered a drop down menu appeared on your screen with a list of multiple choices, you had 20 seconds to answer 20 questions which were a mixture of star trek engineering style brain teasers and ones about GFC general information. Sereana Westland won the quiz so congratulations to her and a big thanks to Sophie Johnson for writing much of the quiz questions.

The Fleet Admiral Katrina Bixby and Admiral Cobramax Mechanique  had recorded a short message which was played over the land stream. In the message they talked briefly about the underlying theme of the ball "Warp into the future", what it meant to them and to the group as a whole. They also express the direction they would like to see the group follow in the coming year.

Below are links to watch a slides show of photo's from the ball with the message with captions (click bottom part of video and caption button to toggle it on and off), a link just to listen to the audio from this page or ones that can be passed on which should play in a browser window.

 

 You can listen to just the audio below and page link HERE

No sooner had the echoes of the admirals voices dissipated it was time for the main event, the award ceremony. The culmination of recognizing what members have done for the last 6 months. unlike previous GFC Balls, where awards and promotions were given separately, this year members just came up the once to receive  their accolades.


People were called up in alphabetical order and lined up either side of the admirals table. When it was time for them to deliver their speeches, they walked up to the podium to address the crowd listening intently.

Many member said what an honour it was to be given there awards, some were generally surprised at the recognition, other were deeply emotional. The general feeling was how nice to see those who have work so hard and contributed to the running of the group be acknowledged for their hard work.

After the medals and promotions had been handed out there was some commotion at the back of the hall as the medical RP headed by Songlord sparked into action read RP log HERE

Unable to stop the core breach members were ordered to evacuate the hall and ushered outside as they jettison the core. Those outside were welcome to a firework display arranged by Timol McMillan, as we stood back and watched the night sky lit up once again with a shower of lights, bangs and an assortment of coloured particles.

When the sky had finished being set a blazed it was back to the hall set to party the night away around the warp core, dancing, joking, reminiscing  about what had just passed.

More pictures can be found HERE

Promotions 

Angelis Bourne - Commodore
Dave Fearguis - Captain
Debbydo - Lieutenant Commander
Emilie DeSantis - Commodore
Gimonia Horten - Rear Admiral
Gokyu Ugajin - Commander
JD Matova - Vice Admiral
Jens (Jailan) - Lieutenant Junior Grade
Jin Tao - Commander
Kal Aie - Commander
Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah) - Lieutenant
Lillian Aries - Captain
Mexes Snowpaw - Lieutenant Commander
Michel Rosenstrauch - Lieutenant Commander
monkeyman8290 Firethorn - Lieutenant Junior Grade
Richardjrn Weatherwax - Captain
rsd58 Congrejo - Lieutenant Junior Grade
Snapper Desade - Rear Admiral
Songlord - Lieutenant
Sophie Johnson (Hydregion) - Lieutenant
Thomas Aker - Commander

Galaxy Star

Angelis Bourne, Cobramax Mechanique, Dave Fearguis, Dustin Sunflower
Debbydo, Jens (Jailan), Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah), Langy Moorlord,
Lillian Aries, Richardjrn Weatherwax, Richmerk, Snapper Desade,
Songlord, Sophie Johnson (Hydregion), Timol McMillan,

Red Crest

Dolamite Giffen, Farodin Rhiadra, Sereana Westland,
BunE Rabbit (TheRabbit1971)

Legion of Merit

Andromeda Quonset, BunE Rabbit (TheRabbit1971), Cain Zarco,
Damien Avedon, Dave Fearguis, Debbydo, Dustin Sunflower,
Emilie DeSantis, Ethan Muldoon, Gokyu Ugajin, Hoshi Tamura,
Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah), Snapper Desade, Sodak Xeltentat,
Sophie Johnson (Hydregion), Stones Petty

Commendation

Blackrose Phantom, BlueAgate, Da5id Weatherwax,
Gimonia Horten, JD Matova, Kevin Ballard, Lillian Aries,
littleastro, marystuart4, Michel Rosenstrauch, Miku1,
monkeyman8290 Firethorn, PenelopePeril, Richardjrn Weatherwax, rsd58 Congrejo,
Sereana Westland, Snapper Desade, Sophie Johnson (Hydregion),
Taurik Xaris, T'Eiren (Bibliophile83), Thomas Aker

Achievement

Andy Ketterley, Ebitsu Cliffhanger, Ethan Muldoon, Gokyu Ugaijn,
Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah), miku1, Razor Indigo, Richardjrn Weatherwax,
Tiem Sturges,

Meritorious

Batista Robbiani, BlueAgate, Debbydo, Dustin Sunflower,
Emilie DeSantis, Ethan Muldoon, Gokyu Ugajin,
Jimmy vehrous, Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah), littleastro,
Michel Rosenstrauch, Miku1, monkeyman8290 Firethorn,
Noshoes Baran, Richardjrn Weatherwax, Robobby Mcmillan, Sereana Westland,
Snapper Desade, Songlord, Sophie Johnson (Hydregion), PenelopePeril

Special thanks should goto those who help put this ball together.

Social Events Lead

Debbydo

                     
Building/Textures/Scripts
(Engineers)   

Rickmerk 
Wolferein Foxdale
Lithian Kross     

Richardjrn Weatherwax

LittlesAstro

Snapper Desade

Quiz

Sophie Johnson (Hydregion)

Richardjrn Weatherwax

Medical RP

Songlord

Lillian Aries

Taurik Xaris

Nitro Landar

Ai Kikuchiyo

Sereana Westland

T'Eiren (bibliophile83)

Ball Message (audio)

Katrina Bixby

Cobramax Mechanique

Fireworks/Assets

Timol McMillan

Dress Uniform

Kendra Mollsen (Koreeah)

Posters/Ads

JD Matova

Snapper Desade

Post Ball Host

Snapper Desade

Angelis Bourne

As they say at the end of every bond film.

"The GFC Ball Will Be Back"

Biannual winter ball 2011

December 17th was a red letter day, once again the biannual ball was upon us, it's regarded as the biggest event in the GFC calendar where a half year of work for the fleet is rewarded.

This year's theme was taken from the popular voyager episode "fair haven" set in the surroundings of an Irish bar. Members and guests settled down and the proceedings begain. Those awarded who where able to attend when called up stood to attention waiting nervously for their turn to deliver their speeches.
The award ceremony was was split between medals and promotions.

Promotions to the their new ranks are stated below.

Among the medal winners were:

Galaxy Star

Andromeda Quonset. Birdie Irland, Cobramax Mechanique, Debbydo Resident, Emilie DeSantis, Farodin Rhiadra, Kaori Juliesse, Lillian Aries, Richardjrn Weatherwax, Sereana Westland, Sodak Xeltentat, Timol  McMillan

Legion of Merit

Banditt Weintraub, Debbydo Resident, Demeter slade, Dustin Thunderstorm, Gimonia Horten, Gokyu Ugajin, Isra Laval, JD Matova, Janel Doune, Kal Aie, Miezekatze Lemon, Nimue Davi, Richardjrn Weatherwax, RoBobby McMillan, TimoL McMillan, Willow Halfpint

Meritorious Service Medal

Arnold McKeenan, Damien Avedon, Debbydo Resident, Dustin Sunflower, Gandalf Nakamura,

Kal Aie, Kendra Mollsen, Malcom Sholokhov, Malic Tolsen, Rokks Resident, Snapper Desade, Sophie Johnson, Starr Jetaime, Thomas Aker

Red Cross

Aaron Ishelwood, Emilie DeSantis

Starfleet Achievement

Andy ketterley, Angel Sachertorte, Katie zwilling, Radon18 Nitely, Richardjrn Weatherwax, SirJedHerbit, Starr Jetaime

Starfleet Commendation

Angelis Bourne, Birdie Ireland, Brahama capelo, Gokyu Ugajin, Hydregion Resident, Isobel firethorn, Janel Doune, Jimmy, Kaori Juliesse, Kendra Mollsen, Kieran Braveheart, Malcom Sholokhov, Phedre Aeonifall, Robobby Mcmillian, Silver Visage, Tails Cluny, Thomas Aker

Once the awards where handed out it was off outside to witness the spectacle of the fireworks display, it's always recommend to turn environment settings to night for the best effects as particles lit up the sky.
Finally it was back inside the bar area, to knock back a few glasses, fiddle with fliptags and dance the night away with the person next to you.