Bravo Fleet
Difference between pages "Introduction to Bravo Fleet Writing" and "USS Bellerophon"

Difference between pages "Introduction to Bravo Fleet Writing" and "USS Bellerophon"

From Bravo Fleet
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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 {{year}}. Bravo Fleet writing falls into two formats: [[Roleplaying Game Policy|roleplaying games]] (historically referred to as ‘sims’) and writing on members' [https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/Command_Policy#2_-_Primary_Commands Commands].
{{Starship
| name = Bellerophon
| prefix = USS
| image = [[File:Flicker of hope by jetfreak 7 damsbdw.png]]
| registry = NCC-74705
| class = Intrepid
| type = light explorer
| affiliation = [[Starfleet]], [[United Federation of Planets]]
| status = Active
| commission = 2373
| decommission =
| destroyed =
| unit =
| taskforce =Task Force 72
| taskgroup =Task Group 21
| squadron =
| mothership =
| role = Deep Space Explorer
| co =[[bfms_char:74021|CAPT Kosev Thiren]]
| xo =[[bfms_char:74025|CMDR Savar]]
| dedication = [[File:Bellerophon-plaque.png]]
}}{{quote|Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.|'''Barack Obama - ''Ship's Dedication Quote'''''}}
The '''USS ''Bellerophon'' (NCC-74705''') is an [[Intrepid Class|''Intrepid''-class]] [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]] [[ma: starship|starship]] built in the early part of the 2370s and served with distinction during the [[ma:Dominion War|Dominion War]].  After thirty years of various missions within the [[Alpha Quadrant|Alpha]] and [[Beta Quadrant]], the ship was assigned to the [[Delta Quadrant]] to support the [[Fourth Fleet]]’s [[Odyssey Squadron]]. Sent to undertake a deep space exploration assignment, the ''Bellerophon'' was  refitted for this mission and to retrace the steps made famous by [[ma: USS Voyager|another]] ''Intrepid''-class that traversed the same region. The ship’s quote is from a speech shared by the 44th President of the United States of America from Earth’s 21st century, President Barack Obama. Command of the vessel was given to [[Captain]] Horatio McCallister in 2399.  


== Roleplaying Games ==
Unfortunately, after receiving significant damage during two conflicts (one against the Dominion and the rest to prevent the Borg from taking the ship), the ''Bellerophon'' was placed into long-term repair facilities at [[Avalon Fleet Yards]] and removed from the Odyssey Squadron.  
RPGs. Group Writing. Sims. This form of collaborative writing is part of Bravo Fleet’s history, taking part most often on Starfleet ships in {{year}} - 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. Even writing in a less role-playing form, where members may share writing of characters and the planning of the story, counts as an RPG.
With repairs completed, the ''Bellerophon'', now under the command of Captain Kosev Thiren, resumes its mission to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.  


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 BF members can usually apply to join these games, so a GM is taking on a commitment to run an activity for the fleet.
== Design and Layout ==
Launched at the height of the Dominion War, the Bellerophon was equipped with the latest technologies to assist with the upcoming war effort. Due to her fast nature (being one of the quickest ships in the fleet at the time), Starfleet cancelled her original exploration mission. She was assigned to [[ma: Starbase 375|Starbase 375]] to serve as the flagship for [[Vice Admiral]] [[ma: William Ross|William Ross]] when he took command of all of Starfleet's forces near to the [[ma:Bajor sector|Bajor sector]]. Rarely was she used as a frontline ship, instead used to transport the admiral around the area (mainly between Starbase 375 and [[ma: Deep Space 9|Deep Space 9]]). For this, the engineers ensured her shields, weapons, and engines were the best they could be. On a few occasions when the ship did engage enemy vessels, she was victorious in every battle (thankfully, down to the fact the ship was always under the escort of at least two other vessels).


RPGs are 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. In Character, the 25th-century 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.
Post-war, the ship remained in active service, and it was in 2385 that the vessel received it first significant refit. During the overhaul, engineers installed an [[ma: Astrometrics|Astrometrics Lab]] based on the one created by ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s crew, and holo-emitters were placed on every deck and every section of the ship. When it was decided that the vessel would be assigned to deep space exploration assignments, further enhancements were made. Further enhancements were made when Starfleet decided that the vessel would be assigned to deep space exploration assignments. This included a third holodeck (slightly smaller than the other two), and the ability for the ship to triple its replicator bounty (again based on alien technology learnt from ''Voyager''). Once upgrades were complete, the ship was almost like Voyager after its return home. The only difference was the captain's request to add a few facilities to allow for some of the crew to bring members of their families. A small classroom and childcare facilities replaced the aft lounge (under the shuttle bay). In addition, the ship was equipped with its own [[Runabouts#Delta-class runabout|''Delta-''class]] [[Runabouts|runabout]].


== Command Writing ==
=== Bridge, Deck One ===
{{For|article=[[BFMS Fiction Guide]]   on how to write on the website}}
[[File:Bell-bridge1.png|left|thumb|The bridge of the USS ''Bellerophon,'' c.2400]]
BF fiction is on the main site, where writing in the Bravo Fleet canon of all flavours can be found, from official Intelligence 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. The majority of this fiction, and that discussed in this guide, focuses on stories about the Starfleet officers and starships of the Fourth Fleet in the 25th century - the [[Writing Primary Characters|Primary Characters]] of members, and their primary or squadron commands.
Like other Intrepid-class vessels, the Bellerophon's bridge layout was the same, except for one difference during the Dominion War. Instead of the standard two-seat command chair configuration, a third command chair was added during the war, allowing Admiral Ross to sit on the bridge, coordinating with others during fleet engagements. Starfleet later removed this configuration after the ship was reassigned to other duties.


Once you reach the rank of Midshipman, you can request your own Primary Command. This acts as an OOC platform and 'collection' for your writing, as well as the IC premise for your story - normally some sort of ship. For Midshipmen to Lieutenants, this is a ''California''-class utility cruiser, a minor ship best-suited to simple missions in Federation space. It might be based out of the Headquarters of your Task Force, going off into missions in that area of the galaxy, but your TF doesn't force you into any one region, base, or place. If you want some guidance on what might make a good story at that level, talk to your Task Force staff for help. Once you reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander, you get the freedom to choose from a selection of ship classes. At any point 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.
Along the aft wall of the bridge are the Mission Ops panels on either side of the long, wide Master System Display. Next to this, on the starboard side, is the entrance to the main lift, followed by the station assigned to security and tactical. A further door to the captain's ready room exists, following a few steps down. The last station on the starboard side is the engineering console. Next, in front of the command pit, is the helm station in front of the large viewscreen. Finally, the science station is on the port side of the bridge, by the forwardmost bulkheads. Behind this is the briefing room door, while the operations station has the identical setup opposite to the security and tactical station. Between operations and the mission ops area, a small corridor leads out to the rest of deck one, which includes another turbolift and access to the nearest escape pods.


From the rank of Captain, you may be entitled to an additional Starfleet ship under the  [https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/Command_Policy#3_-_Squadrons Squadron system]. If at any point you wish to write a story about a non-Starfleet ship or a different era in Trek canon, this would require reaching the rank of Commander and successfully submitting a fiction proposal to the Intelligence Officer. Before considering one of these other stories, be sure to read the [[Fiction Proposal Guide]].
=== Ready Room, Deck One ===
[[File:Bell-rr1.png|thumb|The ''Bellerophon''<nowiki/>'s ready room, c.2400.]]
A home away from home, the ready room on the ''Bellerophon'' was initially used exclusively by the captain, while Admiral Ross would use the briefing room for most of his meetings. A large spacious area, the ready room on the ''Bellerophon'' has allowed for numerous private meetings for the captain and their senior staff or visiting guests. One unique feature is the golden models of previous ships named ''Bellerophon'' hanging behind the captain's desk''.'' This includes the [[ma: USS Bellerophon (NCC-62048)|USS ''Bellerophon'' (NCC-62048)]] and the HMS ''Bellerophon''. In addition, Admiral Ross gave the ship an antique grandfather clock that now sits beside the replicator as a parting gift.


=== Fleet Canon and Member Canon ===
=== Specific Technical Information ===
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.'


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 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 Intel Office no other members are obligated to follow that canon or acknowledge its existence.
==== Emergency Holographic Programs ====
Like many Intrepid-class ships in the fleet, the Bellerophon was initially installed with a [[ma: Emergency_Medical_Holographic_program#EMH_Mark_I|Mark I Emergency Medical Hologram]]. Starfleet engineers installed a [[ma: Emergency_Medical_Holographic_program#EMH_Mark_II|Mark II]] during the war, then updated to Mark III before a Mark IV. These updates have continued throughout the ship's active service. Finally, in mid-2380, the ship received an [[ma: Emergency_Command_Hologram|Emergency Command Hologram]] and an [[ma: Emergency_Engineering_Hologram|Emergency Engineering Hologram]].


But those are easy examples. The Intel 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 the 25th century? 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?
=== Support Craft ===
With one shuttlebay, the ''Bellerophon'' comes with a standard compliment of shuttles and one runabout, along with its [[Aeroshuttle]] (called the ''Deliades'').


Some of these are questions which the Intel 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 Intel Office into Fleet canon, but until then, they are Member Canon.
* '''Personal Shuttles'''
** [[Type-11 Personnel Shuttle|Type 11:]] ''Isander, Hippolochus, Laodamia''
** [[Type-12 Personnel Shuttle|Type 12:]] ''Philonoe, Asteria''
*'''Runabouts'''
**''[[Runabouts|Delta]]''-class: ''Chimera''


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. If necessary, consult the Intel Office for guidance.
==History==
===2373-2377===
[[File:When in rome by jetfreak 7 .jpg|thumb|The USS ''Bellerophon'' in orbit of Romulus, c.2375]]
As the flagship of one the most prolific admirals in the fleet during the Dominion War, the Bellerophon's legacy was developed as one of the fastest ships that served so close to the frontlines. Usually, under escort with two other ships, the Bellerophon would ensure that the admiral could meet with field commanders and move around close to the border without any harm coming to him. Furthermore, the ship was instrumental in ferrying a large Federation delegation from Deep Space 9 to [[ma: Romulus|Romulus]] in 2375.  It was the first Federation ship to visit the Romulan homeworld under a flag of truce and cooperation. Finally, the ship participated in the war's final battle and survived the onslaught the Dominion threw at the [[ma: Federation Alliance|Federation Alliance]]. After the war, the ''Bellerophon'' was assigned to post-war duties that included escorting relief efforts into the [[Cardassian Union]] as well as patrolling the border with the Union and [[Breen Confederacy]].


Remember that member canon doesn't mean "do what you want, and other people don't have to adhere to it." The point is that member canon should be details other people ''can'' ignore because it's a big galaxy. Don't contradict fleet canon, or Trek canon. Avoid, if possible, defining things that can't be worked around - do you really ''need'' to name the current head of Starfleet Tactical, even if fleet canon hasn't specified it? Our goal is to build a cohesive universe where everyone's playing in the same large sandpit, leaving room for one's own flair and stories - rather than to dictate every detail, ''or'' to have chaos wherever we go.
=== 2377-2385 ===
In 2377, Starfleet removed the ship from its work along the Federation-Cardassian border and assigned it to begin doing what it was initially built to do: explore! The vessel undertook an eight-year exploration effort beyond the [[Klingon Empire]] at the invitation of the High Council. The ship would spend at least half a year mapping elements of the Rotarran Maelstrom before returning to the Federation. After returning home to [[Earth]], the ship assisted with the rescue and response attempts after the [[ma: Attack on Mars|synth attack on Mars]]. Though the crew could only save under four hundred people from the surface, the attacking synth vessels damaged the ship, forcing it to flee to [[ma: Jupiter Station|Jupiter Station]]. Heavily damaged, Starfleet sent the ship to the [[ma: Beta Antares Ship Yards|Beta Antares Ship Yards]] for repairs and its first major refit. The process took at least nine months to complete. Her entire crew was reassigned to other duties across the fleet.


== Common Issues ==
=== 2385-2398 ===
As ever, the [[Canon Policy]] explains the do's and don't and ins and outs of Bravo Fleet storytelling and content creation. But there are a few mistakes/misunderstandings/knowledge gaps which come up fairly often:
Now it was under the commanded by Captain Laura McCallister, the ship was sent as part of Starfleet's response to the destruction of Romulus to provide aid. Being fast enough, the ship was able to help pull survivors from the wake of the devastation sent across the [[Romulan Star Empire]] and deposit them at refugee camps set up along the former [[Romulan Neutral Zone]]. The ship was placed on patrol and other duties along the Romulan border for the next five years.  


* You shouldn’t be writing about or including characters or ships from Star Trek canon! You can refer to them ''existing'', but for eg, we don’t know what the state of Sisko or DS9 are in the 25th century, so don’t make it a key part of your writing; don’t be an old friend, protégé, relative, etc, of ''any'' canon Trek character'','' that sort of thing.
In 2390, Starfleet sent the ship back to the Cardassian border to assist with threats from the [[True Way]]. The ship was able to support Federation colonies in the area in stopping raids and disrupting criminal networks. Over the next four years, the ship remained working on a range of missions in the Alpha Quadrant. In 2395, the ship was sent on a six month expeditionary mission to the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. The ''Bellerophon''<nowiki/>'s primary duty was to ensure that the area close to the mouth of the wormhole was secure and to update Starfleet with any developments linked to the Dominion. At the end of 2398, the ship returned to Earth for its next refit and for Captain McCallister to be succeeded by her brother-in-law.
* The Command Registry is a list of all ships available in Bravo Fleet. It is meant to be a rarely-changed archive so that ships can build up a history, to help maintain a unified canon, instead of ships appearing and disappearing. This repository is not the play-thing for you to create your own task group. ''Do Not'' use ships in the registry for your writing if it’s not your own Command - there are many other names out there.
** Non-registry Starfleet ships can feature in your stories - there's always a ship that needs rescuing, or delivers a guest, or maybe does even join your Command in an adventure. But there's a difference between a story where your characters work with a friendly or rival crew, and giving your captain command of their own task group of NPC ships, and the latter is against the rules - wait until you're eligible for a [[Command Policy|squadron]] for that.
* The brass of Fourth Fleet Command are identified and established as characters – it’s [https://bravofleet.com/staff these fine folks]. If you need a staff-level character to appear in your writing (for briefings etc), either reach out to your Task Force Staff, or the Intel Office has established an NPC: Commodore [[Uzoma Ekwueme]]. He’ll show up, tell you what’s what, dress you down or pin a medal on you. Don’t kill him or make him evil.
* This links to another rule: Your characters can hold ''up to'' the rank of captain ''or'' your OOC fleet rank, whichever one is higher. This means you shouldn't be writing flag officers. Like access to certain ship classes, starbases, or fiction concepts, writing flag officers is gated to OOC rank. With the TF staff characters, commanders of TFHQs, and Commodore Ekwueme, PCs and NPCs exist to facilitate your storytelling. Otherwise, allowing members to create and write flag officers, even as minor characters, usually results in one of the following:
** Creating a new random Fourth Fleet admiral (see above!).
** A member trying to bypass rank restrictions, in the same way that writing a lot about a non-registry ''Sovereign''-class starship that joins your avatar command on adventures would be.
* Please pay ''close attention to our [https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/Canon_Policy#Section_6_-_Content_and_Ratings Content Rules]''. In short: check if your Command needs to list its rating. And, to just directly quote this part from our policy:
** Sexual violence should be addressed, if at all, with particular care. It should never be depicted directly in a scene, or be discussed by characters in any detail. Reference to sexual violence of any sort should never happen without the explicit OOC permission of every member involved in the story and, in RPGs, the GM. Stories may be removed at the Intelligence Officer's discretion, as per the above on appropriate content.


* One final note that’s less about the rules and more about tone: Bravo Fleet has a frankly shameful history of failing to engage with the themes and tone of Star Trek. Starfleet is not a military (having weapons doesn’t make you military), Starfleet Marines have never, ''ever'' been canon, Section 31 (and equivalent depictions of Intelligence) is almost always written in a way which makes the reader want to die of embarrassment, and Star Trek is not a universe about the power of might making right. The Federation may be flawed but it is fundamentally a government founded on principles of respect, liberty, and the search for peace and knowledge. The Intel Office has worked hard to move away from depictions of Starfleet that would be more at-home in an unironic interpretation of the movie ''Starship Troopers.'' Work with us to tell stories that may be set against challenges in a difficult universe, in places which are dark and where doing the right thing is hard – but are at their core about a hopeful view of the future and humanity, even if it’s working ''towards'' that view.
=== 2398-2401 ===
Captain Horatio McCallister's command will see the ''Bellerophon'' assigned to the [[Delta Exploration Initiative]] and the ship would be assigned to the [[Gradin Belt]] to assist with exploration and diplomatic exchanges. At the end of 2400, the crew assistant the [[ma: Antarian|Antarian Pact Organisation]] deal with the [[Blood Dilithium]] crisis. Their mission was successful and it ended with the crew winning the [[ma: Antarian Trans-stellar Rally|Antarian Trans-stellar Rally]]. Following on from this mission, the ship was then assigned to the Odyssey Squadron.
 
In 2401, the ship participated along with other ships from the [[Fourth Fleet]] the [[The Lost Fleet]] incursion. The ship, while pursuing a Dominion ship, was made to believe it was chasing a [[Jem'Hadar Fighter]] but it turned out to be a [[Jem'Hadar Battlecruiser]]. ''Bellerophon'' was heavily damaged and several crewmembers were killed. Eventually the ship was towed to the [[Avalon Fleet Yards]] for repairs. These repairs were stalled when the [[Borg]] uprise during [[ma:Frontier_Day|Frontier Day]] took place. When the Jupiter signal reached Avalon, the younger members of the crew and the shipyard repair engineers, attempted to assimilate the ship into the collective. Those on the crew who had not affected by the Borg DNA modifications in a bold bid to prevent the ''Bellerophon'' from being taken over caused significant damage to the ship. They blew up a number of EPS conduits that obliterated four decks, overloaded the bio-neural  circuitry and using plasma charges destroyed the entire computer core. The extensive damage inflicted on the ship, as well as the fact so many other ships were affected by the Borg attempt, forced Starfleet to hold off repairs. Repairs would take a long time. As a result, Starfleet reassigned Captain McCallister and the entire crew to other assignments.  
 
With repairs eventually completed, the ''Bellerophon'', now under the command of Captain Kosev Thiren, resumes its mission to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
 
== Notable Crew ==
 
=== Commanding Officers ===
 
* [https://bravofleet.com/command/68935/ 2398 - 2401]: Captain Horatio MacCallister
* [https://bravofleet.com/command/89710/ 2401 - Present]: Captain Kosev Thiren
 
=== Command Staff ===
 
* '''Executive Officer:'''
** Commander Jepella ([[ma: Benzite|Benzite]] Female) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander/Commander [[bfms_char:69165|Lirissa Jaz]] ([[ma: Trill|Trill]] Female) <small>(2385-2401)</small>
** Commander [[bfms_char:74025/|Savar]] (Vulcan Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Second Executive Officer:'''
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Skal ([[ma: Vulcan|Vulcan]] Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:69169|Jirani Edeena]] ([[ma: Bajoran|Bajoran]] Female) <small>(2385-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:83049/|Lukas Murphy]] (Human Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Third Executive Officer:'''
** Lieutenant Commander Jason Frame (Human Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Bowd Zalin ([[ma: Bolian|Bolian]] Male) <small>(2385-2400)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade [[bfms_char:69173|Rubon Jarata]] ([[ma: Risian|Risian]] Male) <small>(2400-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:74031/|Cassian Edren]] (Human Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
 
=== Senior Staff/Department Heads ===
 
* '''Chief Flight Control Officer:'''
** Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Joseph Hickham (Human Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade Emze ([[ma: Saurian|Saurian]] Male) <small>(2385-2396)</small>
** Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade Rubon Jarata (Risian Male) <small>(2396-2401)</small>
** Ensign [[bfms_char:74035/|Kyth Nakav]] (Orion Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Science Officer:'''
** Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Palle Wivip ([[ma: Tellarite|Tellarite]] Female) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Bowd Zalin (Bolian Male) <small>(2385-2400)</small>
** Ensign [[bfms_char:69183|Jonarom]] (Ardanan Male) <small>(2400-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant [[bfms_char:74037/|Zameer Khan]] (Human/Borg Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Medical Officer:'''
** Lieutenant Commander Jason Frame (Human Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander M'Turr ([[ma: Caitian|Caitian]] Female) <small>(2385-2397)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade [[bfms_char:69177|Sarella Corben]] ([[ma: Betazoid|Betazoid]] Female) <small>(2397-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:83046/|Aleah Ryan]] (Human Female) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Counselor:'''
** Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Gaetar ([[ma: Rigelian|Rigelian]] Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant Threra Zh'rylrik ([[Andorian]] Female) <small>(2385-2398)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade [[bfms_char:69187|Krizon Hilgan]] (Trill Male) <small>(2398-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:74031/|Cassian Edren]] (Human Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Engineer:'''
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Harold Smith (Human Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Thyth Ch'vaaqos (Andorian Male) <small>(2385-2400)</small>
** Lieutenant Junior Grade [[bfms_char:69181|T'Penni]] (Vulcan Female) <small>(2400-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant [[bfms_char:74033/|Tavana Hughes]] (Human/Klingon Female) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Operations Officer / Chief of Operations:'''
** Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Cynthia Wheeler (Human Female) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Ensign Nalli ([[ma: Orion|Orion]] Female) <small>(2385-2390)</small>
** Petty Officer 3rd Class / Chief Petty Officer [[bfms_char:69179|Bronden]] ([[ma: Zaldan|Zaldan]] Male) <small>(2390-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant Commander [[bfms_char:83049/|Lukas Murphy]] (Human Male) <small>(2401-present)</small>
* '''Chief Security & Tactical Officer:'''
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Skal (Vulcan Male) <small>(2373-2385)</small>
** Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Jirani Edeena (Bajoran Female) <small>(2385-2401)</small>
** Lieutenant [[bfms_char:83024/|Tali Omer]] (Human Female) <small>(2401-present)</small>

Latest revision as of 15:26, 1 October 2023

Flicker of hope by jetfreak 7 damsbdw.png
USS Bellerophon
General Information
Registry NCC-74705
Class & Type Intrepid-class light explorer
Affiliation Starfleet, United Federation of Planets
Status Active
Commissioned 2373
Assignment
Task Force Task Force 72
Task Group Task Group 21
Role Deep Space Explorer
Key Personnel
Commanding Officer CAPT Kosev Thiren
Executive Officer CMDR Savar
Bellerophon-plaque.png
Template:Starship
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
    —Barack Obama - Ship's Dedication Quote

The USS Bellerophon (NCC-74705) is an Intrepid-class Federation starship built in the early part of the 2370s and served with distinction during the Dominion War. After thirty years of various missions within the Alpha and Beta Quadrant, the ship was assigned to the Delta Quadrant to support the Fourth Fleet’s Odyssey Squadron. Sent to undertake a deep space exploration assignment, the Bellerophon was refitted for this mission and to retrace the steps made famous by another Intrepid-class that traversed the same region. The ship’s quote is from a speech shared by the 44th President of the United States of America from Earth’s 21st century, President Barack Obama. Command of the vessel was given to Captain Horatio McCallister in 2399.

Unfortunately, after receiving significant damage during two conflicts (one against the Dominion and the rest to prevent the Borg from taking the ship), the Bellerophon was placed into long-term repair facilities at Avalon Fleet Yards and removed from the Odyssey Squadron.

With repairs completed, the Bellerophon, now under the command of Captain Kosev Thiren, resumes its mission to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Design and Layout

Launched at the height of the Dominion War, the Bellerophon was equipped with the latest technologies to assist with the upcoming war effort. Due to her fast nature (being one of the quickest ships in the fleet at the time), Starfleet cancelled her original exploration mission. She was assigned to Starbase 375 to serve as the flagship for Vice Admiral William Ross when he took command of all of Starfleet's forces near to the Bajor sector. Rarely was she used as a frontline ship, instead used to transport the admiral around the area (mainly between Starbase 375 and Deep Space 9). For this, the engineers ensured her shields, weapons, and engines were the best they could be. On a few occasions when the ship did engage enemy vessels, she was victorious in every battle (thankfully, down to the fact the ship was always under the escort of at least two other vessels).

Post-war, the ship remained in active service, and it was in 2385 that the vessel received it first significant refit. During the overhaul, engineers installed an Astrometrics Lab based on the one created by Voyager's crew, and holo-emitters were placed on every deck and every section of the ship. When it was decided that the vessel would be assigned to deep space exploration assignments, further enhancements were made. Further enhancements were made when Starfleet decided that the vessel would be assigned to deep space exploration assignments. This included a third holodeck (slightly smaller than the other two), and the ability for the ship to triple its replicator bounty (again based on alien technology learnt from Voyager). Once upgrades were complete, the ship was almost like Voyager after its return home. The only difference was the captain's request to add a few facilities to allow for some of the crew to bring members of their families. A small classroom and childcare facilities replaced the aft lounge (under the shuttle bay). In addition, the ship was equipped with its own Delta-class runabout.

Bridge, Deck One

The bridge of the USS Bellerophon, c.2400

Like other Intrepid-class vessels, the Bellerophon's bridge layout was the same, except for one difference during the Dominion War. Instead of the standard two-seat command chair configuration, a third command chair was added during the war, allowing Admiral Ross to sit on the bridge, coordinating with others during fleet engagements. Starfleet later removed this configuration after the ship was reassigned to other duties.

Along the aft wall of the bridge are the Mission Ops panels on either side of the long, wide Master System Display. Next to this, on the starboard side, is the entrance to the main lift, followed by the station assigned to security and tactical. A further door to the captain's ready room exists, following a few steps down. The last station on the starboard side is the engineering console. Next, in front of the command pit, is the helm station in front of the large viewscreen. Finally, the science station is on the port side of the bridge, by the forwardmost bulkheads. Behind this is the briefing room door, while the operations station has the identical setup opposite to the security and tactical station. Between operations and the mission ops area, a small corridor leads out to the rest of deck one, which includes another turbolift and access to the nearest escape pods.

Ready Room, Deck One

The Bellerophon's ready room, c.2400.

A home away from home, the ready room on the Bellerophon was initially used exclusively by the captain, while Admiral Ross would use the briefing room for most of his meetings. A large spacious area, the ready room on the Bellerophon has allowed for numerous private meetings for the captain and their senior staff or visiting guests. One unique feature is the golden models of previous ships named Bellerophon hanging behind the captain's desk. This includes the USS Bellerophon (NCC-62048) and the HMS Bellerophon. In addition, Admiral Ross gave the ship an antique grandfather clock that now sits beside the replicator as a parting gift.

Specific Technical Information

Emergency Holographic Programs

Like many Intrepid-class ships in the fleet, the Bellerophon was initially installed with a Mark I Emergency Medical Hologram. Starfleet engineers installed a Mark II during the war, then updated to Mark III before a Mark IV. These updates have continued throughout the ship's active service. Finally, in mid-2380, the ship received an Emergency Command Hologram and an Emergency Engineering Hologram.

Support Craft

With one shuttlebay, the Bellerophon comes with a standard compliment of shuttles and one runabout, along with its Aeroshuttle (called the Deliades).

  • Personal Shuttles
  • Runabouts

History

2373-2377

The USS Bellerophon in orbit of Romulus, c.2375

As the flagship of one the most prolific admirals in the fleet during the Dominion War, the Bellerophon's legacy was developed as one of the fastest ships that served so close to the frontlines. Usually, under escort with two other ships, the Bellerophon would ensure that the admiral could meet with field commanders and move around close to the border without any harm coming to him. Furthermore, the ship was instrumental in ferrying a large Federation delegation from Deep Space 9 to Romulus in 2375. It was the first Federation ship to visit the Romulan homeworld under a flag of truce and cooperation. Finally, the ship participated in the war's final battle and survived the onslaught the Dominion threw at the Federation Alliance. After the war, the Bellerophon was assigned to post-war duties that included escorting relief efforts into the Cardassian Union as well as patrolling the border with the Union and Breen Confederacy.

2377-2385

In 2377, Starfleet removed the ship from its work along the Federation-Cardassian border and assigned it to begin doing what it was initially built to do: explore! The vessel undertook an eight-year exploration effort beyond the Klingon Empire at the invitation of the High Council. The ship would spend at least half a year mapping elements of the Rotarran Maelstrom before returning to the Federation. After returning home to Earth, the ship assisted with the rescue and response attempts after the synth attack on Mars. Though the crew could only save under four hundred people from the surface, the attacking synth vessels damaged the ship, forcing it to flee to Jupiter Station. Heavily damaged, Starfleet sent the ship to the Beta Antares Ship Yards for repairs and its first major refit. The process took at least nine months to complete. Her entire crew was reassigned to other duties across the fleet.

2385-2398

Now it was under the commanded by Captain Laura McCallister, the ship was sent as part of Starfleet's response to the destruction of Romulus to provide aid. Being fast enough, the ship was able to help pull survivors from the wake of the devastation sent across the Romulan Star Empire and deposit them at refugee camps set up along the former Romulan Neutral Zone. The ship was placed on patrol and other duties along the Romulan border for the next five years.

In 2390, Starfleet sent the ship back to the Cardassian border to assist with threats from the True Way. The ship was able to support Federation colonies in the area in stopping raids and disrupting criminal networks. Over the next four years, the ship remained working on a range of missions in the Alpha Quadrant. In 2395, the ship was sent on a six month expeditionary mission to the Gamma Quadrant. The Bellerophon's primary duty was to ensure that the area close to the mouth of the wormhole was secure and to update Starfleet with any developments linked to the Dominion. At the end of 2398, the ship returned to Earth for its next refit and for Captain McCallister to be succeeded by her brother-in-law.

2398-2401

Captain Horatio McCallister's command will see the Bellerophon assigned to the Delta Exploration Initiative and the ship would be assigned to the Gradin Belt to assist with exploration and diplomatic exchanges. At the end of 2400, the crew assistant the Antarian Pact Organisation deal with the Blood Dilithium crisis. Their mission was successful and it ended with the crew winning the Antarian Trans-stellar Rally. Following on from this mission, the ship was then assigned to the Odyssey Squadron.

In 2401, the ship participated along with other ships from the Fourth Fleet the The Lost Fleet incursion. The ship, while pursuing a Dominion ship, was made to believe it was chasing a Jem'Hadar Fighter but it turned out to be a Jem'Hadar Battlecruiser. Bellerophon was heavily damaged and several crewmembers were killed. Eventually the ship was towed to the Avalon Fleet Yards for repairs. These repairs were stalled when the Borg uprise during Frontier Day took place. When the Jupiter signal reached Avalon, the younger members of the crew and the shipyard repair engineers, attempted to assimilate the ship into the collective. Those on the crew who had not affected by the Borg DNA modifications in a bold bid to prevent the Bellerophon from being taken over caused significant damage to the ship. They blew up a number of EPS conduits that obliterated four decks, overloaded the bio-neural circuitry and using plasma charges destroyed the entire computer core. The extensive damage inflicted on the ship, as well as the fact so many other ships were affected by the Borg attempt, forced Starfleet to hold off repairs. Repairs would take a long time. As a result, Starfleet reassigned Captain McCallister and the entire crew to other assignments.

With repairs eventually completed, the Bellerophon, now under the command of Captain Kosev Thiren, resumes its mission to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

Command Staff

  • Executive Officer:
    • Commander Jepella (Benzite Female) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant Commander/Commander Lirissa Jaz (Trill Female) (2385-2401)
    • Commander Savar (Vulcan Male) (2401-present)
  • Second Executive Officer:
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Skal (Vulcan Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Jirani Edeena (Bajoran Female) (2385-2401)
    • Lieutenant Commander Lukas Murphy (Human Male) (2401-present)
  • Third Executive Officer:
    • Lieutenant Commander Jason Frame (Human Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Bowd Zalin (Bolian Male) (2385-2400)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade Rubon Jarata (Risian Male) (2400-2401)
    • Lieutenant Commander Cassian Edren (Human Male) (2401-present)

Senior Staff/Department Heads

  • Chief Flight Control Officer:
    • Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Joseph Hickham (Human Male) (2373-2385)
    • Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade Emze (Saurian Male) (2385-2396)
    • Ensign / Lieutenant Junior Grade Rubon Jarata (Risian Male) (2396-2401)
    • Ensign Kyth Nakav (Orion Male) (2401-present)
  • Chief Science Officer:
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Palle Wivip (Tellarite Female) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Bowd Zalin (Bolian Male) (2385-2400)
    • Ensign Jonarom (Ardanan Male) (2400-2401)
    • Lieutenant Zameer Khan (Human/Borg Male) (2401-present)
  • Chief Medical Officer:
    • Lieutenant Commander Jason Frame (Human Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander M'Turr (Caitian Female) (2385-2397)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade Sarella Corben (Betazoid Female) (2397-2401)
    • Lieutenant Commander Aleah Ryan (Human Female) (2401-present)
  • Chief Counselor:
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Gaetar (Rigelian Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant Threra Zh'rylrik (Andorian Female) (2385-2398)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade Krizon Hilgan (Trill Male) (2398-2401)
    • Lieutenant Commander Cassian Edren (Human Male) (2401-present)
  • Chief Engineer:
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Harold Smith (Human Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Thyth Ch'vaaqos (Andorian Male) (2385-2400)
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Penni (Vulcan Female) (2400-2401)
    • Lieutenant Tavana Hughes (Human/Klingon Female) (2401-present)
  • Chief Operations Officer / Chief of Operations:
    • Lieutenant Junior Grade / Lieutenant Cynthia Wheeler (Human Female) (2373-2385)
    • Ensign Nalli (Orion Female) (2385-2390)
    • Petty Officer 3rd Class / Chief Petty Officer Bronden (Zaldan Male) (2390-2401)
    • Lieutenant Commander Lukas Murphy (Human Male) (2401-present)
  • Chief Security & Tactical Officer:
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Skal (Vulcan Male) (2373-2385)
    • Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander Jirani Edeena (Bajoran Female) (2385-2401)
    • Lieutenant Tali Omer (Human Female) (2401-present)
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