Difference between pages "Introduction to Bravo Fleet Writing" and "Task Force 93"

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While Bravo Fleet offers many activities, our history as a role-play group means we retain a strong creative spirit. Members’ writing in various forms is at the forefront of driving the group’s canon as [[Starfleet|Starfleet’s]] [[Fourth Fleet]] in 2399. Broadly, Bravo Fleet writing falls into two formats: [[Roleplaying Game Policy|roleplaying games]] (also referred to as ‘sims’) and [[Canon Policy#Section 4 - Fiction|fictions]].
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{{icons|bfc}}{{Task_Force
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| name = Task Force 93
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| seal = [[Image:TF93Seal.png]]
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| areaofops = Humanitarian Operations
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| url = [http://www.bravofleet.com/group/task-force-93/ Main Link]
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|rsburl=
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|co=Rear Admiral Zack Marshall-Bennet
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|xo=Captain Rook
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|cas=
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|logo=[[Image:TF93.png]]
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}}
  
== Roleplaying Games ==
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Based out of [[Devron Fleet Yards]] on the border to the old [[Romulan Neutral Zone]], '''Task Force 93''' is tasked with providing humanitarian support and protection to struggling regions of the galaxy. While this includes protection from predatory factions, Task Force 93 aids worlds devastated by natural disasters or violence, and treats with local and major powers to coordinate this assistance.
RPGs. Group Writing. Sims. This form of collaborative writing is part of Bravo Fleet’s history, taking part most often on Starfleet ships in 2399 - though games exist for different eras, factions, and even genres.
 
  
It tends to take the language and form of a role-playing game, with members as ‘players’ writing (usually) one character, and a Game Master writing the ship’s captain and dictating the main story beats. There can be all sorts of variations within this - the GM isn’t always the captain, players may write for many characters, or plots may be improvised by players rather than developed by the GM. But these are usually games focused on role-playing in written form, where characters and their development are the purviews of their specific writers rather than the group, with plots structured by a leading GM.
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==Objectives==
  
The management of these games is overseen by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, who ensures they meet expected standards of quality and activity, usually agreed upon by both the Ops Officer and a prospective GM. These expectations exist because any BF member can apply to join these games, so a GM is taking on a commitment to run an activity for the fleet.
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*'''Assist''' the rebuilding of cultures ravaged by natural or political disasters
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*'''Protect''' isolated worlds from predatory factions
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*'''Monitor''' the old Neutral Zone to bring safety and support to abandoned peoples
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*'''Preserve''' the stability of chaotic regions across the Federation border
  
Some of these games take place on websites provided by Bravo Fleet using the Nova system. While supported by BF, these are stand-alone sites that members have to register to use, and grant a GM more flexibility in customising appearance and content. On these sites, character biographies and crew rosters are stored, and the Nova system supports collaborative writing of mission posts, and their distribution to the game’s players.
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==Overview==
  
Other games can be run on the main Bravo Fleet website, using the Bravo Fleet Management System (BFMS). The BFMS also stores character biographies and crew rosters and supports the collaborative writing of members, which is easily seen and shared with the whole fleet. Games run on BFMS, which advertise among and recruit from BF members and are overseen by the Ops Officer, are referred to as ‘Open Collaboration’ games.
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For the last decade and a half, Task Force 93 has served as a humanitarian and peacekeeping force along the Romulan border. Following the hypernova of 2387, it was tasked with securing the former Neutral Zone, protecting Federation interests in the Beta Quadrant. Worlds have been abandoned by the Federation and [[Romulan Factions]] alike, left to fend for themselves against the ravages of regional dangers, fledgling and weak infrastructures, and natural disasters. With the [[Fourth Fleet]]'s repurposing with a galactic mandate, it was deemed Task Force 93 take this skill and expertise to all troubled corners of the galaxy.
  
In Character, the 2399 Starfleet ships are the Fourth Fleet’s Forward Operation Forces. They operate independently of [[Task Forces]], pursuing a wide range of missions under the command of the Fleet Operations Officer.
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Recent years have seen many powers withdrawing their support to many regions as they reinforce the borders they can protect. In their wake are worlds vulnerable to regional piracy or exploitation by other powers, worlds forced to rebuild governance and infrastructure from scratch, worlds lacking any support should the worst happen. Be they independent or answering to a higher government, Federation or otherwise, the support that now arrives fastest is from Task Force 93.
  
== Fiction Writing ==
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This work is more than bringing blankets. It takes engaging with communities to meet their needs, navigating fraught diplomacy with local leaders and their conflicting priorities, providing protection from opportunistic pirates that might see such a world ripe for the taking, or nearby powers that might see them ripe for seizing. Across the galaxy are worlds that have been chewed up and spat out by one government or another. To some, Task Force 93 is a welcome helping hand. To others, a necessary shield.
''See also: [[BFMS Fiction Guide]] for how to write on the website''
 
  
Fiction writing could be called ‘all other writing.’ Members can write BF fiction anywhere so long as it is linked to from the BFMS, but most BF fiction is on the main site. Here, writing in the Bravo Fleet canon of all flavours can be found, from official Lore Office releases to the narratives driving Task Force story-arcs, to the stories of individual members. This is the core of Bravo Fleet canon, lore development, and IC fleet activities.
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==Task Force Assets and Headquarters==
  
Most fiction on BFMS, and this section of the guide, focuses on stories about the Starfleet officers and starships of the Fourth Fleet in 2399 - the [[Writing Primary Characters|Primary Characters]] of members, and their primary commands. Stories about other eras or factions require submitting a fiction proposal to the Lore Office once a member reaches the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
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While Task Force 93 is no longer the major Starfleet force supervising the Neutral Zone, it retains its headquarters at [[Devron Fleet Yards]] on the border. With the capacity to resupply and maintain ships in the region as well as the Task Force's vessels, the Fleet Yards provides a base of operations from which relief missions can be launched to all quarters of the galaxy.
  
While you are a junior officer, your Primary Character is assigned to your Task Force’s headquarters. In Missions under that TFHQ Command on BFMS, you can write about your character’s adventures in that region of space. We encourage you to read the guidelines on your TFHQ’s Command page (here, for example, is [https://bravofleet.com/command/34934/ Starbase 72’s]) or consult your Task Force staff if you’d like help getting started.
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=== Task Force Starships ===
  
Once you reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander, you can request your own primary command. IC, this is the starship assigned to your Task Force, commanded by your Primary Character. From there, you have the liberty to write your starship’s adventures anywhere in Bravo Fleet canon, with your Task Force’s specific mission for inspiration and direction.
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* [[USS Achana|USS ''Achana'']]'','' a [[Raven Class|''Raven''-class]] surveyor
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* [[USS Avenger|USS ''Avenger'']], a [[Defiant Class|''Defiant''-class]] escort
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* [[USS Brontes|USS ''Brontes'']]'', a [[Raven Class|Raven-class]] surveyor''
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* [[USS Excelsior|USS ''Excelsior'']], a [[Sovereign Class|''Sovereign''-class]] explorer
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*[[USS Hamilton|USS ''Hamilton'']], a [[Parliament Class|''Parliament''-class]] utility cruiser
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*[[USS Hiddekel|USS ''Hiddekel'']],  a [[Raven Class|''Raven''-class]] surveyor
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*[[USS Hydra|USS ''Hydra'']], a [[Manticore Class|''Manticore''-class]] heavy escort
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*[[USS Norway|USS ''Norway'']], a [[Norway Class|''Norway''-class]] light cruiser
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*[[USS Polaris|USS ''Polaris'']], an [[Odyssey Class|''Odyssey''-class]] explorer
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*[[USS Shepard|USS ''Shepard'']], a [[Reliant Class|''Reliant-''class]] frigate
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*[[USS Sutherland|USS ''Sutherland'']], a [[Sutherland Class|''Sutherland'' class]] research cruiser
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*[[USS Thyanis]], a [[Raven Class|''Raven''-class]] surveyor
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*[[USS Verity|USS ''Verity'']], an [[Odyssey Class|''Odyssey''-class]] explorer and the flagship of Task Force 93
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*[[USS Warspite|USS ''Warspite'']], an [[Inquiry Class|''Inquiry''-class]] heavy cruiser
  
The line between fictions and games/sims can get blurrier when you start to write collaboratively. Anyone is welcome to write with others on BFMS, but some people like to invite friends to regularly join them writing on their primary command. Alternatively, they might want to request an additional Command to write on an invitation-only basis with friends. We refer to Commands used for this group storytelling as ‘Closed Collaboration’, in contrast to the Open Collaboration mentioned above.
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== Task Force History ==
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When Task Force 93's mandate of providing support to those who needed it the most changed in 2399, assets were redeployed to ensure that the Task Force's focus was not just along the fractured border that the Federation now shared with the various Romulan factions. That said, the initial response from Task Force 93 maintained a focus near to the former Neutral Zone.  
  
All of this storytelling activity falls under the oversight of the Lore Office. While nobody needs to write a proposal for their primary command, even if they invite friends to join them, additional Commands to be used as fictions or Closed Collaborations must have a written proposal green-lit by the Loremaster.
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==== The Archanis Campaign ====
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One of the biggest operations that Task Force 93 was fully involved with was the unexpected invasion of the  [[Hunters of D'Ghor]] of the [[Archanis Sector]]. Along with other ships from the Fourth Fleet, ships from Task Force 93 entered the Archanis Sector to assist with repelling the rogue Klingons and providing support to Federation worlds, outposts and other assets that were affected. The clean-up operation, after Starfleet forces were successful with their efforts, was led by Task Force 93. Restoring stability along the border was essential. Task Force 93 ships saw themselves having to prove to Federation colonies that the threat was now removed and that the Federation government took the incident seriously. Further construction of defence networks took place, alongside providing care and aid.  
  
While in practice the distinction can be narrow, we define between the two with the following rules and guidelines:
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==== The Echoes of the Tkon ====
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During the end of 2399, every single ship across Starfleet was placed on high alert after multiple sightings of the [[Omega molecule]] were reported. Task Force 93 ships were assigned to the duty of not only dealing with this threat, but also found them having to help ships that found themselves stranded after some molecules exploded, causing disruption in subspace and preventing warp drive to be used in some areas of known space. Furthermore, certain worlds and bases were left without any external support, as a result Task Force 93 became that vital lifeline to them. Eventually ships were given the order to provide assistance in tracking down [[Tkon Empire]] artefacts, which eventually resulted in the removal of the Omega threat and other dangers that this incident brought. Lessons learnt from the post recovery efforts from the Archanis Campaign prepared Task Force 93, for once again helping those who need assistance in rebuilding.
  
* Closed Collaboration writing is an invitation-only activity among friends. If you want to advertise for people to join you, think about running a Nova game or an Open Collaboration game on BFMS.
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==== The Stormbreaker Campaign ====
* Games are role-playing activities - players write a specific character, maybe not OOC knowing how the story will work out. In collaborative fiction, writers might more equally share decision-making over characters and plot.
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In early 2400, the [[Century Storm]] hit the [[ma:Paulson Nebula|Paulson Nebula]] and the surrounding region. This phenomenon severely affected those ships, stations and colonies that existed in this area, causing huge disruption to communication and placing lives on the line. To prevent millions from being killed, the Federation government ordered an immediate evacuation of the area. Task Force 93 ships saw action, along with other ships from the Fourth Fleet, to help those who were affected by the countless ion storms. The entire event took time and many installations were either lost or severely damaged by the ion storms. Though many were saved, some were not as fortunate as others. Many search and rescue missions were undertaken by ships in Task Force 93.  
* Nova and Open Collaboration games set expectations for activity levels and pace, making participation a shared commitment for all players, and which the GM is answerable to the Operations Department in maintaining. Closed Collaboration fictions are more informal; writers may be accountable to each other, but you should have the kind of relationship where you’ll match each other’s activity levels and commitment, and can talk about it if you don’t.  
 
* Without regard to quality, Closed Collaboration is like a kick-about game of football with friends: you meet up, you have whatever rules work for just the handful of you, you do it for the fun of it. Games and Open Collaborations are more like an organised team, where friends and strangers sign up together, and everyone follows the formal rules and expectations of the group.
 
  
=== Fleet Canon and Member Canon ===
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==== Sundered Wings ====
Bravo Fleet canon is laid out by the [[Canon Policy]]. In brief, all members are required to abide by Star Trek canon and Bravo Fleet canon. But you are, as individual writers, encouraged to pay attention to Section 1.3 of the Canon Policy, titled 'Member Canon.'
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Having so many ships and stations based near to the shared border with the Romulans, Task Force 93 found itself in the thick of it when the [[Star Empire of Rator]] collapsed and the [[Velorum Sector]] declared its independence before seeking assistance from the Federation. This massive political upheaval caused a high level of tension between the Federation and the various [[Romulan Factions]]. Task Force 93 ships were given the mandate to send ships into the area and provide relief effort to those Romulan worlds that were isolated from others and required the support to support their populations. The Velorum Sector eventually opted to join the [[Romulan Republic]] once a majority of their worlds were stabilised, thanks to the efforts of Starfleet and a meditated deal led by the Federation.
  
This consists of small details that are not specified by official or fleet canon, relevant to and developed by individual members. At its most obvious, it’s things like the original creation of a strange nebula your starship surveyed somewhere in the Alpha Quadrant, or the lone Klingon captain who helped a ship. These are details that affect only your stories and your characters, and while you are welcome to discuss them, write about them, or even [[Submission Guide|add them to the Bravo Fleet wiki]], unless or until they are ratified by the Lore Office, no other members are obligated to follow that canon or acknowledge its existence.
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==== Command History ====
  
But those are easy examples. The Lore Office does not aspire to flesh out every single detail about the Trek universe, and nor does Star Trek canon itself provide all of the details. Some facts slip through the cracks: what’s the state of Tokyo in 2399? Who taught Basic Warp Design at Starfleet Academy in 2387? What is the current status of a very minor one-off alien race from TOS, almost a century and a half later?
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* Early 2399: Admiral Elizabeth Wolf
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* Early 2399: Rear Admiral Sebastein Leclerc
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* Mid 2399: Fleet Captain Azras Dex
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* Late 2399: Vice Admiral Aubrey Seagraves*
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* Early 2400: Captain Gar'rath
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* Mid 2400: Captain Henry Maxwell
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* Late 2400: Rear Admiral Zack Marshall-Bennet*
  
Some of these are questions which the Lore Office may answer as they arise. Others - like the Academy teacher - will most certainly not be defined by Bravo Fleet canon. Members are welcome to specify these details in their own stories, but with the understanding that nobody else is bound by them. Strong and interesting ideas that flesh out relevant parts of the universe may be adopted by the Lore Office into Fleet canon, but until then, they are Member Canon.
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''<sup>*denotes Interim Commander</sup>''
 
 
Might this lead to contradictions? Very possibly. Is this a problem? Not usually. Often such details can be reconciled; it is possible, or even likely, that multiple officers taught Basic Warp Design at the Academy in 2387. It’s worth remembering that even Star Trek canon occasionally contradicts itself on these minor details, and Star Trek has survived it. If two entirely separate stories have different, minor details, it’s very easy to live and let live.
 
 
 
Members are encouraged to get on with their writing without worrying too much about these fine details of other stories. Contradictions can be justified or worked around, or you can - again - live and let live. The Lore Office can resolve glaring inconsistencies if they arise, and in some cases these may be situations that benefit from an official, canonical judgement.
 
 
 
But in general? Don’t sweat it.
 

Revision as of 00:21, 29 October 2022

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.








TF93Seal.png
Task Force 93
Leadership
Commander

Rear Admiral Zack Marshall-Bennet

Deputy Commander

Captain Rook

Links
BFMS

Main Link

TF93.png
Template:Task Force


Based out of Devron Fleet Yards on the border to the old Romulan Neutral Zone, Task Force 93 is tasked with providing humanitarian support and protection to struggling regions of the galaxy. While this includes protection from predatory factions, Task Force 93 aids worlds devastated by natural disasters or violence, and treats with local and major powers to coordinate this assistance.

Objectives

  • Assist the rebuilding of cultures ravaged by natural or political disasters
  • Protect isolated worlds from predatory factions
  • Monitor the old Neutral Zone to bring safety and support to abandoned peoples
  • Preserve the stability of chaotic regions across the Federation border

Overview

For the last decade and a half, Task Force 93 has served as a humanitarian and peacekeeping force along the Romulan border. Following the hypernova of 2387, it was tasked with securing the former Neutral Zone, protecting Federation interests in the Beta Quadrant. Worlds have been abandoned by the Federation and Romulan Factions alike, left to fend for themselves against the ravages of regional dangers, fledgling and weak infrastructures, and natural disasters. With the Fourth Fleet's repurposing with a galactic mandate, it was deemed Task Force 93 take this skill and expertise to all troubled corners of the galaxy.

Recent years have seen many powers withdrawing their support to many regions as they reinforce the borders they can protect. In their wake are worlds vulnerable to regional piracy or exploitation by other powers, worlds forced to rebuild governance and infrastructure from scratch, worlds lacking any support should the worst happen. Be they independent or answering to a higher government, Federation or otherwise, the support that now arrives fastest is from Task Force 93.

This work is more than bringing blankets. It takes engaging with communities to meet their needs, navigating fraught diplomacy with local leaders and their conflicting priorities, providing protection from opportunistic pirates that might see such a world ripe for the taking, or nearby powers that might see them ripe for seizing. Across the galaxy are worlds that have been chewed up and spat out by one government or another. To some, Task Force 93 is a welcome helping hand. To others, a necessary shield.

Task Force Assets and Headquarters

While Task Force 93 is no longer the major Starfleet force supervising the Neutral Zone, it retains its headquarters at Devron Fleet Yards on the border. With the capacity to resupply and maintain ships in the region as well as the Task Force's vessels, the Fleet Yards provides a base of operations from which relief missions can be launched to all quarters of the galaxy.

Task Force Starships

Task Force History

When Task Force 93's mandate of providing support to those who needed it the most changed in 2399, assets were redeployed to ensure that the Task Force's focus was not just along the fractured border that the Federation now shared with the various Romulan factions. That said, the initial response from Task Force 93 maintained a focus near to the former Neutral Zone.

The Archanis Campaign

One of the biggest operations that Task Force 93 was fully involved with was the unexpected invasion of the Hunters of D'Ghor of the Archanis Sector. Along with other ships from the Fourth Fleet, ships from Task Force 93 entered the Archanis Sector to assist with repelling the rogue Klingons and providing support to Federation worlds, outposts and other assets that were affected. The clean-up operation, after Starfleet forces were successful with their efforts, was led by Task Force 93. Restoring stability along the border was essential. Task Force 93 ships saw themselves having to prove to Federation colonies that the threat was now removed and that the Federation government took the incident seriously. Further construction of defence networks took place, alongside providing care and aid.

The Echoes of the Tkon

During the end of 2399, every single ship across Starfleet was placed on high alert after multiple sightings of the Omega molecule were reported. Task Force 93 ships were assigned to the duty of not only dealing with this threat, but also found them having to help ships that found themselves stranded after some molecules exploded, causing disruption in subspace and preventing warp drive to be used in some areas of known space. Furthermore, certain worlds and bases were left without any external support, as a result Task Force 93 became that vital lifeline to them. Eventually ships were given the order to provide assistance in tracking down Tkon Empire artefacts, which eventually resulted in the removal of the Omega threat and other dangers that this incident brought. Lessons learnt from the post recovery efforts from the Archanis Campaign prepared Task Force 93, for once again helping those who need assistance in rebuilding.

The Stormbreaker Campaign

In early 2400, the Century Storm hit the Paulson Nebula and the surrounding region. This phenomenon severely affected those ships, stations and colonies that existed in this area, causing huge disruption to communication and placing lives on the line. To prevent millions from being killed, the Federation government ordered an immediate evacuation of the area. Task Force 93 ships saw action, along with other ships from the Fourth Fleet, to help those who were affected by the countless ion storms. The entire event took time and many installations were either lost or severely damaged by the ion storms. Though many were saved, some were not as fortunate as others. Many search and rescue missions were undertaken by ships in Task Force 93.

Sundered Wings

Having so many ships and stations based near to the shared border with the Romulans, Task Force 93 found itself in the thick of it when the Star Empire of Rator collapsed and the Velorum Sector declared its independence before seeking assistance from the Federation. This massive political upheaval caused a high level of tension between the Federation and the various Romulan Factions. Task Force 93 ships were given the mandate to send ships into the area and provide relief effort to those Romulan worlds that were isolated from others and required the support to support their populations. The Velorum Sector eventually opted to join the Romulan Republic once a majority of their worlds were stabilised, thanks to the efforts of Starfleet and a meditated deal led by the Federation.

Command History

  • Early 2399: Admiral Elizabeth Wolf
  • Early 2399: Rear Admiral Sebastein Leclerc
  • Mid 2399: Fleet Captain Azras Dex
  • Late 2399: Vice Admiral Aubrey Seagraves*
  • Early 2400: Captain Gar'rath
  • Mid 2400: Captain Henry Maxwell
  • Late 2400: Rear Admiral Zack Marshall-Bennet*

*denotes Interim Commander