THE WRIGHT STUFF

Vol XVIII w No 4 The Official Newsletter of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk w NCC-1659 Jul / Aug 2007 C O N T E N T S

A VIEW FROM THE CATBIRD SEAT ...... 3 J.R. Fisher COMPUTER OPERATIONS REPORT ...... 3 John Troan VOYAGER - LEGACY ...... 4 Brad McDonald STS-118 LANDING PHOTO ...... 7 NASA.gov

Volume 18 - Number 4 UPCOMING EVENTS ...... 8 is a publication of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, the Raleigh, N.C., chapter of , an international fan organization. This publication is provided free of charge to all chapter members in good standing. Subscriptions for non-members are $12.00 per year (six issues). Please address all corres- pondence to CATBIRD Publications, 5017 Glen Forest Dr., Raleigh, N.C. 27612. This publication is a non-profit enterprise and is not meant to infringe upon any copyright or trademark held by Paramount Pictures, Gulf & Western, or any other holder of STAR TREK copyrights or trademarks. Unless otherwise noted, ENTIRE CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHT Ó 2007 CATBIRD Publications, THE WRIGHT STUFF. Nothing in whole or in part may be used without the written permission of the publisher. THE WRIGHT STUFF assumes all material submitted for publication is gratis. The publisher and editors reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Publisher ...... J.R. Fisher Editors ...... Jane Fisher John Troan TOOL BOX: Pentium IV-3.0GHz; HP LaserJet 1200 & DeskJet 722C; Lotus WordPro; Adobe Acrobat. IMAGES - Title Banner Wright Flyer from NASA/Ames PAO photo archive; U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (USN CV-63) from navicp.navy.mil; Constitution class cruiser from gwu.edu/~rljones/khawk. IMAGE - Featured Front Page The external tank is being lowered into place during stacking operations for STS-120 in the VAB. Photo: nasa.gov (NASA/George Shelton). A View From the Catbird Seat By J.R. Fisher

Forty-one years ago, I know that part of the problem is for, but please vote. You have until a TV show that without a series or movie to drive Nov. 15 to get your votes in. premiered on it, there is little in the way of incentive I hope everything will have settled September 8th. It to maintain interest. I hope we can down by the October meeting (on the was a science fiction change that by creating things many 7th) and everyone can come to the show about a crew of us would be interested in doing meeting. I would really like to have of Earth people, and together. If you have ideas or everyone present for some face to some aliens, exploring space and suggestions, please let me know and face discussions about what we want meeting new lifeforms and getting we will explore the possibilities. to do this year. October 7 -- a into all kinds of trouble in the process. The Red Cross blood donation Sunday -- is also the 17th anniversary The aliens were different than the people have contacted me about of the commissioning of the U.S.S. ones we were used to seeing because some sort of promotions for us while Kitty Hawk. By having our meeting they looked a lot like us and were not getting the membership to donate on a Sunday afternoon, maybe more threatening to take over our world. Or blood and urging others to do the of you will be inclined to attend and at least not all of them. The basic same. They have not elaborated on we can make this a real celebration. message was one of tolerance and this yet, but I would like to know how Of course, it is a party! We will compromise. It was the creation of many of you would be interested. cookout and hopefully everyone will Gene Roddenberry and it was called Also, we have a new contact who bring side dishes and have a great STAR TREK. could be interested in doing a small time. We will also review our glorious It has gone through many segment (video) or script about Star past! variations and has not always kept to Trek. He wants to know how many of We have done so much for our the original premise, that mankind us have Star Trek, Star Wars, community in the past and I hope that would get better and grow. Next year, Babylon 5, etc., costumes and an we will do even more in the future. we will see yet another interpretation interest in such a project. So, please Seventeen years is not a long time of Gene's dream. I hope it will get let me know what you have and if you and I hope we will still be doing good back to the basics. are interested. works seventeen years from now. But I would like to thank everyone For those of you in Starfleet, you that is really up to you and you alone. who has renewed their Starfleet should have gotten your ballots for Do you really have The Wright Stuff? memberships and hope that those of the election of Starfleet's commander See you on the seventh..... you who have not, will in the very (president) and the proposed Esse Quam Videri near future. The ship crew is now up amendments to the constitution and to nineteen members. by-laws. I will not tell you who to vote Computer Operations Report By John Troan

Needless to say, this month's little "catching up" on the instruction On Mars, the rover Opportunity issue is more than a wee late. August time. We got the plane up to over has started its exploration of Victoria is always a busy month for me as my 7,000 feet, where the flying was Crater. The mission team has fantasy football league gets into full beautiful -- nice and smooth. I'm still decided that the science payoff is swing. I run the league, so I handle working on the landings, but so far worth the risk of potentially not getting all the functions -- including they've all been decent. (Granted, out of the crater. Spirit has climbed conducting the live (over-the-'net) the instructor has made sure I haven't onto Home Plate for extended drafts, which gets a full weekend erred too badly.) exploration. The plateau bears clues reserved on my calendar. Looking at the latest news from for an explosive mixture of lava and The next issue will bring things NASA, shuttle Discovery's rollover to water. back on schedule. Articles are due by the VAB has been delayed due to Both rovers have been operating Friday, Oct. 19, and I should have the some last-minute repair work. No since January 2004 -- well beyond the issue assembled that weekend. If you word yet on how it might impact the original three-month plans. They have something in physical form only, Oct 23 launch date. On a related were put into low-power usage in July bring it to the October meeting. note, I saw that Atlantis might not be as a global dust storm severaly cut On a personal note, the flying retired next year if it's needed to meet the sunlight levels, but both rovers lessons are coming along nicely. I the 2010 target for completing the came through in good shape and are took a week off from work and did a station construction. rolling across the Martian sands. THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 3 JUL / AUG 2007 VOYAGER - "Legacy" By Brad McDonald

ACT THREE JANEWAY Janeway challenges her friend So, it's possible that these FADE IN: JANEWAY people could hold the secret Such as? EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER AND NEO to a quick way home. WORLD (OPTICAL) Question is, what do we do ON TUVOK about it, if anything at all. Voyager is orbiting the Neo Vulcan Tuvok steeples his fingers and home world. The others look surprised at her becomes immersed in his comment. explanation. VOYAGER - MAIN BRIEFING ROOM KIM TUVOK Present are Janeway, Tuvok, Kim, You mean we might pass up Aside from the language, , Paris and Seven, the the opportunity? there is an adherence to a meeting is in progress. JANEWAY strong Vulcan tradition of KIM We have a planet which may matriarchal hierarchy. Tapara The time portal she be on the verge of civil war, is their Leading Citizen, a described, could it be a or worse. Those are the female leader. The clothing of wormhole? words of their own leader. I the advisors and various would prefer that our attendants is very similar to PARIS presence does not provide those used by Vulcan Sounds consistent with her the spark to set it off. government officials. The description, even if it is technology of their ship is a second hand. PARIS direct progression of ancient What if we simply investigated the SEVEN Vulcan types. And, their possibility and had a look around? Could she being misleading mental powers have the KIM you intentionally in order to potential of equaling the A small party of five or six get what she wants? modern Vulcan. could attempt several JANEWAY avenues of -- Tuvok pauses, then looks directly at Possibly, but I don't believe Janeway Tuvok interrupts Kim without apology. she knew what it was she was TUVOK describing. TUVOK (continuing) I believe the best approach CHAKOTAY Captain, there is an even would involve a single visitor, I trust your instincts. Do you more important consideration myself. As the captain has believe she was telling the I wish to present. This 'lost pointed out, there is great truth? tribe' affords us a rare unrest. Our people could be opportunity to observe a JANEWAY exposed to unforeseen 'primitive' Vulcan culture. We Yes. dangers by asking the wrong can literally look back at my questions or simply being KIM ancestors and observe an discovered. But if there were a stable alternate evolutionary path. wormhole, in the Alpha CHAKOTAY ON JANEWAY Quadrant, why hasn't anyone We could have the doctor found one. alter our appearances so we She understands the motivation of would blend in a bit better. her friend. TUVOK Any number of reasons, the Tuvok seems agitated with JANEWAY primary one being that it is Chakotay's suggestion. And perhaps discover why somehow hidden. There are these people never became TUVOK several nebulas within a Romulans, or worse. Again, there is a question of relatively short distance. It (beat) knowing what to look for as would be possible for one to An irresistible temptation to well as what to ask and how remain undetected within, or be sure, Tuvok. But no to ask it. The language of even close to, one of nebulas. matter how great the these people is very similar to It could even be subject to temptation or the possible our own, as is a number of irregular appearances. return of knowledge, I can't things.

THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 4 JUL / AUG 2007 risk you as a solitary JANEWAY JANEWAY operative. Your scans read as I was just discussing that with Not at all. Is it possible for my one of them, so if you lost my people. What can I do for people to move freely? Or do your communicator, you? you think an 'escort' is emergency transport would necessary? TAPARA'S VOICE be impossible. In fact, our We're having a traditional Tapara looks at her advisors briefly, tricorders would be hard festival tomorrow and would Sarn scowls. pressed to pick you out of a like for you and your crew crowd, even at close range. TAPARA members to attend. Say No Tuvok, I can't let you take They may go as they please, midday at the capitol city? the risk. Besides, I didn't like there is little danger here in Sarn's attitude towards JANEWAY the capitol. 'Vulcans'. You may be treated We'd be delighted. I will JANEWAY as an enemy or spy. contact you then, at midday. Thank you, Leading Citizen. (beat) Janeway out. We are honored by your trust We'll all share that risk, She looks surprised, but relieved. and hospitality. assuming they even invite us to visit. And we won't go JANEWAY Tuvok and Seven head off into the unless we're invited. Well, that solves the crowd together. Janeway remains with invitation problem. Tuvok is Paris and Kim. BRIEFING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE right, their mental powers TAPARA may be interesting. The room is very quiet following Captain, before the festival Janeway's statement. begins, let me show you EXT. NEO VULCAN HOME WORLD some of my our CHAKOTAY - CAPITOL CITY MIDDAY (OPTICAL) accomplishments. How long do we wait? The city is modest, but very Vulcan in Janeway, Paris, and Kim follow JANEWAY appearance. The away team Tapara and her entourage. Let's be generous, say materializes, attracting instant forty-eight hours. We can attention. Waiting for the team is CAPITOL CITY - OUTSKIRTS - MID gather information on that Tapara, Sarn and Tlan. Arriving are AFTERNOON Class 1 nebula, that's good Janeway, Tuvok, Kim, Paris and scientific 'busy work'. Seven. Janeway's log can be heard Tuvok and Seven are making their Besides, if we discover the as the scene opens. way through the Capitol. wormhole, on our own, we JANEWAY'S VOICE SEVEN may save ourselves a lot of Personal log. I have decided We have seen and recorded headaches. After that -- to make the visit without much of this society already. Janeway's communicator interrupts being armed. If we are What are you looking for? her statement. captured, the Federation will TUVOK not be providing weapons to JANEWAY Tapara said there was little these people. Equipment has (tapping communicator) danger in the heart of the city. been kept to a minimum as Janeway here. Perhaps it is because there well. Chakotay is keeping an are no dissidents there. I am CREW PERSON'S VOICE active lock on us, hoping to encounter someone Communication from Tapara, just in case. who is less than happy with Captain. the present government. NEW ANGLE Janeway raises a brow in the Vulcan SEVEN manner. Tapara and her party moves forward, You think Tapara surrounds the crowd seems more curious than JANEWAY herself with those who are hostile, but not openly friendly. I'll take it in here, voice only. loyal to her? TAPARA TAPARA'S VOICE TUVOK Welcome! Stories of your Captain! I'm sorry it's taken It is a standard practice. amazing crew and ship have so long for me to reestablish While she may be aware of already spread. When it communication. the current social problems, it become known that you is quite another matter to would be present at the confront it daily. festival, the crowds began. I hope you don't mind.

THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 5 JUL / AUG 2007 SEVEN Several other T'ka members SEVEN But how will you know when approach the table. We are prepared for such a you have reached an area possibility. SEVEN which meets your criteria? What is the t'ka? Nlen studies Tuvok who is now Tuvok stops walking and points off to eating. Nlen is about to explain but Tuvok one side. speaks first. NLEN TUVOK (to Tuvok) TUVOK This is the first establishment I wish to know more about T'ka is an ancient word which which does not display you, your people and the means those apart from the Tapara's symbol of ancient home. whole; outcasts. leadership. Instead, it Tuvok stops eating and steeples his displays words indicating they NLEN fingers, resting his elbows on the are outcasts. You know the words of our table. ancient ones, you must be The two enter a public house. one of us. But why do you TUVOK care about our friends? My people found a lasting INT. PUBLIC HOUSE peace and enlightenment TUVOK Their presence arouses mild interest. through various mental I wanted to speak with them Tuvok approaches a WAITER. disciplines. Along the way, we about their beliefs. Perhaps encountered humans and TUVOK you could do the same. other beings who were May we obtain refreshment Nlen and other N.D. Neo Vulcans sit different from us. They and food? with Tuvok and Seven. The waiter provided unique soon arrives with the order. opportunities. The waiter nods to an empty table in the middle of the room where Tuvok NLEN CLOSE UP ON TABLE GROUP and Seven sit. For conquest? NLEN WAITER TUVOK For many years we have felt What do you want? No. For friendship, it was time for a change, commerce, an exchange of Tuvok studies a wall menu. although exactly what, we are science, technology, and still uncertain. TUVOK other endeavors. Eventually, Two nacarae with plomeek Seven begins to eat, but Tuvok this informal alliance led to soup and, conversation. begins conversing. the United Federation of Planets. WAITER TUVOK (beat) Conversation about what? Your friends were attempting Vulcan itself has had a long to break out of this space and TUVOK and prosperous existence, establish a separate society, The T'ka. I am from the with peace and harmony the were they not? Voyager and rescued several cornerstone of its well being. of their members. I wish to NLEN know how they are doing. Yes. Our current society has ON TUVOK become stagnant. We neither TUVOK NEW ANGLE improve nor grow. Tapara is The teachings of friendly and open, but she is offered more than just an From behind the waiter, another unwilling to change. opportunity for our planet's Neo-Vulcan appears NLEN is well being, it helped the inner cautious, but grateful. The waiter TUVOK person as well. With the exits. Therefore, in order to placate control of our emotions, we the people, she desires our NLEN were at last able to improve technology with hope that You must be Tuvok. I heard ourselves. The expenditure of they will forget their problems of you. Those you rescued emotions wasted time and with the promise of a better did not survive their 'visit' with resources. By controlling our future through innovation. the security forces I am Nlen, emotions, we had more time there are others here which NLEN for self improvement and believe as I do, that it is time Exactly. You must be careful. enlightenment. Our mental for a change on our world. powers increased as well, and Vulcan now enjoys the

THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 6 JUL / AUG 2007 reputation of being one of the JANEWAY those we returned to Tapara leading intellectual societies Tuvok, Seven, we were were killed for their actions. in the Alpha Quadrant. beginning to worry. What did Ostensibly the theft of the you discover on your ship, however, it goes much AS BEFORE 'expedition'? deeper. There is a movement which is open to change and NLEN TUVOK peaceful ways. Could you tell us more of the A number of enlightening teachings of Surak? Our facts. JANEWAY ancestors refused to repeat Can they be dealt with, SEVEN his words. without causing problems for And a group of people called ourselves? TUVOK T'ka. Those we know as I would be happy to. dissidents. SEVEN (beat) It may be too late for that. JANEWAY It began over two thousand What else? Janeway is disturbed by Seven's years ago. The home world revelation had been ravaged by a series TUVOK of bloody wars and another Perhaps we should go JANEWAY was about to begin... somewhere more private to How so? continue our discussions. DISSOLVE TO: TUVOK I have already started relating NEW ANGLE CAPITOL CITY - FESTIVAL - EARLY the teachings of Surak to a EVENING Tuvok indicates Tapara, who is number of the T'ka. In fact, I watching closely. Janeway moves to plan to remain on this planet Janeway and the others are in the an area where there are few people. in order to continue teaching. middle of a very boisterous and happy celebration. Tapara is close by JANEWAY Janeway is shocked by Tuvok's with her staff and advisors. Kim and Very well, report. statement. Paris are 'entertaining' two N.D. NEO TUVOK FADE OUT. VULCAN LADIES in the B.G. as We made contact with the Tuvok and Seven approach. END ACT THREE dissidents and found that

Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown at Kennedy Space Center, completing STS-118.

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