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CROMLECH ISLES FLEET
ISSUE 16
WELCOME
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Welcome to Issue 16 (where does the time go?) of the Cromlech Isles Klingon Fleet Newsletter-keeping the group in touch with all things Klingon in Scotland, the North of England and Ireland. A busy ol’time for the team over the summer months, with Cons, nights out, Cinema trips, Charity Fundraising, watching Klingon episodes together, the usual Raktajino and Chat fun, the Targ went on holiday, and...a Klingon wedding! Lots more to come, with plans already in place for next year as well. Details below: CONTENTS Ships Directory Ship Activities Social Media Links 2nd Anniversary Meal/Trek Night Out Klingons Take the Star Wars Bar BGCP Con M & Ds Raktajino and Chat’s Kilmarnock/Edinburgh Glasgow Film and Comic Con and a Good Day to Dine Klingon Wedding Charity Fundraising: Crohn’s and Colitis and The Samaritans Watching Klingon Episodes Together Targ on Tour: Legoland Windsor Edinburgh Festival: Clash of Fandoms Julie’s Koloth Fest 602 Cinema Club Will We Ever Have Warp Drive? Star Trek Resurgence Game: A Review
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Sponsor: The Silver Reiver Jewelers (Carlisle) Honorary Chair: Robert O’Reilly CO: Naomi Rubenstein XO: Robert Richard Tactical Office r: Geo Hutchinson Helm/Pilot: Stuart McIlwain Medical Officer: Anna Bell Nurse: Karen Dickson Engineering Officer: Gregor Cameron Federation ‘Laison’ Officer: Xander McEwan Federation ‘Laison’ Officer (Ireland) Lee Raythorn USS Valiant Laison Officer: David Wharton Xeno Legion/Cosplay Officer: Amanda Allaway Weapons Officer: Sarah Adams Security Chief: Stewart Bell Quartermaster: Ian Struthers Seargent/Master at Arms: Bryan Gillson Imperial Intelligence Officer: James Fairbairn Qas Devwl (Commander of Marine Ground Forces) Kevin John Green Communications Officer: Alison Stell Chaplain: David John Smith Transportation Chief: Alan Bell Imperial Diplomatic Officer: Sam Bell Games Master: James Moorehead Legal Affairs: Laura Kerr
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SHIP ACTIVITIES Some dates for the near future:
ACME Comic Con Glasgow (Saturday Sept 23rd) Comic Con Scotland (Ingleston)Sat/Sun Oct 7th/8th) Halloween Joint event with the USS Valiant (The Maltman, Glasgow, Tues 31st October) St.Andrew’s/Christmas Night Out (Edinburgh) Friday November 24th Dates to be arranged for: Axe Throwing (Edinburgh) Pool Tournament (Edinburgh) Cosplay Photo Shoot (Ayrshire) NERF Gun day out (Ayrshire)
FACEBOOK CHAT GROUP Best way to keep in touch with the group/make suggestions for activities, in between Zoom meetings KLINGON RIDGES: Let us know if you need ridges and we will get them to you (free) Also currently making some TOS Klingon uniforms together.
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ZOOM MEETINGS
Now meeting via Zoom, once a month, to discuss Klingon episodes and catch up with the ship’s crew. Next one: Early September COSPLAY We don’t just Cosplay as Klingons. It can be any Trek alien (Borg, Andorian, Q, Cardassian, Orion etc), we also do a bit of a crossover with Steampunk, Dr Who, Battlestar Galactica and even Star Wars.
MERCHANDISECouple of pieces of merch which can be picked up on E-Bay..Klingon Steampunk
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commutator badge is £4.99 at https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195370988114 ?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-12763223570&ssspo=jyUlqMfhRz6&sssrc=2349624&s suid=T6YHqvmITYi&var=&widget_ver=arte mis&media=COPY Baseball Cap is £6.10 from: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221758723815 ?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-12763223570&ssspo=ffVjbZfGRFK&sssrc=2349624&s suid=T6YHqvmITYi&var=&widget_ver=arte mis&media=COPY Just select the colour of your choice and add 'Cromlech Isles Fleet'
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can find the Cromlech Isles Fleet on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with the crew having their own Messenger Page on Facebook as well. https://www.facebook.com/IKV-BorderReiversScottishNorth-EnglandKlingons-106303218384033 Twitter: Under @SKlingons Instagram: Under scottishklingons2
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FRIDAY 16TH JUNE 2nd ANNIVERSARY MEAL/TREK GET TOGETHER-ANTIPASTI GLASGOW
We were joined by crew from the USS Valiant (Glasgow), and the USS Tesla (Edinburgh) on a very special away mission-the celebration of our 2 nd Anniversary, and the chance to get together again, with different Trek groups, based in Scotland. As ever at Antipasti, the food, drink and service were all top notch, with a Hunt the Targ game being won by Scott Miller, (an eagle eyed spot of where our furry friend was hidden), a Trek based Quiz being enjoyed by crew around the table, a ‘What is your Klingon name’ where crew had fun with their new nom de plumes, before a Charity Raffle for Crohns and Colitis UK raised the best part of £100, with Trek themed prizes all round (Sam being particularly delighted to win the top prize of Build a Bear Spock-as seen above). All in all, a fantastic night, so much excitement going on, that Robert managed to leave the IKV Border Reivers flag behind in the resteraunt, before a hasty call from the bus assured him that Sam had it safely in her care.
8 SATURDAY 17TH JUNE THE KLINGONS TAKE THE STAR WARS BAR EDINBURGH
The day after the night before, Jim and Robert took the chance to ‘take’ the Star Wars themed bar in Edinburgh, The Cocktail Geeks. Had a good chat with some South African tourists about the relative merits of the menu (Cocktails only despite Robert’s attempt to order a pint of lager!), with the team enjoying a Mocktail combo of
The same weekend George got his Barbie on, in the midst of a North East Con.
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BGCP COMIC CON AT M&D’S SUNDAY 25 TH JUNE
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With another BGCP Con taking place at M & D’s Theme Park the Fleet was ably represented by Sam in her fantastic Cardassian make up.
RAKTAJINO AND CHAT KILMARNOCK (SUNDAY 25 TH JUNE + SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST)
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A good get together firstly with Jim, Moira and Robert with much sci-fi and Titanic chat ensuing, and a plan hatched for the Targ to go on his holidays to Legoland the following week. Next up, Jim, Andrew, Robert and Alison met up to talk Disney, cosplay, Strange New Worlds and more, the Kilmarnock Weatherspoons now being a favourite base of operations. Meanwhile, over in Edinburgh, Alan and Robert met up for a brew, and a good chat about all things sci-fi.
12 GLASGOW FILM AND COMIC CON (SUNDAY JULY 23 RD)
Just a brilliant day out, as we met up with the USS Valiant crew again, and some 6 Klingon’s in attendance, on what was a Good Day to Dine after the Con in the nearby Filling Station. Fairly quiet on the arena floor on the Sunday, but the chance to finally meet the legend that is Colin Baker was too good to miss.
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KLINGON WEDDING (Saturday July 29 th) The following weekend, Kevin and Robert headed through to Gargunnock, near Stirling, to join the festivities for a Klingon wedding, of Rowan and Rio, at the invitation of Robbie Harris. Joining Eilidh of the Alba, it was indeed a special occasion.
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15 CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Over the past couple of months, we raised charity funds for both Crohns and Colitis UK (around £100), and The Samaritans (£408). Crohns and Colitis was by a Trek themed raffle at our 2 nd Anniversary meal, and The Samaritans with Xander and Rober walking/running over 100 miles in the month of July. Many, many thanks to all who donated to these very worthy causes. Qapla!
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WATCHING KLINGON EPISODES TOGETHER
Had our first 'watch a Klingon themed episode together then discuss' with TNG Season 3 Eps 17, Sins of the Father today. First time (I think) that we saw images of Qo'noS, and the High Council Chambers. Lots of detail on the Klingon costumes and ideas for cosplay. Just good writing overall. Next episode and Chat...start of next month.
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TRAVELLING TARG ON TOUR: LEGOLAND WINDSOR Many thanks to Moira and the Stephenson family for taking our Targ on his first mini -break to Legoland Windsor, where, as you can see from the photos, he had a fine time,
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VR F1 RACING AND RETRO VIDEO GAMES (GLASGOW, AUGUST 1 ST) Some crew took the shuttle through to Glasgow to check out the VR Simulators F1 Racing (you get around an hour for 3 races-good stuff), and then hit the Retro Video games café around the corner...some 1500 games available! Had a round of Pong, Pacman, Space Invaders, Mario Cart, Street Fighter, and more.
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EDINBURGH FESTIVAL: CLASH OF THE FANDOMS
Laura and Robert headed along to the Clash of the Fandoms (Star Trek v Star Wars) event at the Three Sisters. Had a good chat with the host, Rik Caranzza pre-show about the respective merits of both franchises, before we joined in the fun with such debates as ‘who would win in a fight: Vader or Khan’?, ‘Best character from your franchise? Spock for Trek, Wedge Antilles for Wars, Happy to see Trek winning it by 8 to 4, before we repaired for a drink at a nearby pub.
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Julie’s Koloth Fest
One of our Southern based crew, Julie recently sent us some cracking photos of Captain Koloth who is now resident in her lounge In the second photo he is fighting off a pack of three Tribbles!
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602 CINEMA CLUB
It has been a busy old time for our 602 Cinema Club goers with crew getting together to go and see The Flash, Indiana Jones, Barbie, and Across the Spider Verse (all recommended). Next up, we have Grand Tourismo and Blue Beetle, with
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TARG ON TOUR;WHERE WILL HE GO NEXT? (STAY TUNED)
Having experienced the sights and sounds of Legoland, our Targ is on the move again. Let us know if you would like to take him for a spin to a day out/holiday.
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Will We Ever Have Warp Drive? Unveiling the Future of Interstellar Travel : Since the dawn of human civilization, the stars have captured our imagination. The idea of exploring distant galaxies and encountering extraterrestrial life has been a subject of fascination for scientists and science fiction enthusiasts alike. In the realm of interstellar travel, one concept stands out as the pinnacle of technological achievement: warp drive. Popularized by shows like Star Trek, warp drive represents a theoretical propulsion system that could enable us to travel faster than the speed of light. But is warp drive merely a figment of science fiction, or could it become a reality? In this article, we delve into the possibilities and challenges surrounding the development of warp drive technology. Understanding Warp Drive: Warp drive, often referred to as an Alcubierre drive, is a hypothetical concept proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994. According to the theory, warp drive would allow a spacecraft to achieve faster-than-light travel by distorting spacetime around the vessel. Rather than moving through space, the ship would effectively create a "warp bubble" in which spacetime is contracted ahead of the vessel and expanded behind it. As a result, the spacecraft could traverse vast cosmic distances without violating the laws of physics as we currently understand them.
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The Challenges: While the concept of warp drive is captivating, developing such technology is riddled with challenges. One of the primary hurdles lies in the energy requirements. The Alcubierre drive would necessitate enormous amounts of negative energy, a theoretical for m of energy with negative mass. At present, our understanding of negative energy is limited, and its existence remains hypothetical. Overcoming this obstacle would require groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of physics and the discovery of new energy sources. Another challenge stems from the enormous computational power necessary to calculate the complex equations and coordinate the manipulation of spacetime. The mathematics involved in warp drive technology are exceedingly intricate and demand computational capabilities beyond what we currently possess. However, as our computing power continues to advance exponentially, future breakthroughs in this area may be within our grasp. The Unknowns and Ethical Considerations: Warp drive technology faces other uncertainties as well. Its impact on the fabric of spacetime and potential consequences on celestial objects along the spacecraft's path are still largely unknown. Additionally, the implications of faster-than-light travel on causality, time dilation, and the laws of physics need further exploration. Moreover, discussions surrounding the ethical ramifications of warp drive technology are essential. Questions arise regarding the distribution of knowledge and resources, potential militarization, and its impact on socioeconomic systems. It is crucial to approach the development of such technology with responsible and transparent decision-making processes to ensure the benefits are shared equitably and potential risks are mitigated. The Future Possibilities: While the challenges are formidable, it is important to recognize that scientific progress has often emerged from seemingly insurmountable barriers. Humanity has repeatedly surpassed previous limitations through innovation and discovery. In the realm of wa rp drive, advancements in our understanding of physics, the exploration of exotic matter, and the harnessing of new energy sources may pave the way for potential breakthroughs. Furthermore, ongoing developments in related fields such as quantum physics, gravitation, and supercomputing could lead to new insights and practical applications. It is not unfathomable that future generations may unlock the secrets of warp drive and propel human exploration to the farthest corners of the universe. Conclusion: The dream of warp drive represents humanity's longing to reach for the stars. While currently residing in the realm of science fiction, the quest for interstellar travel continues to inspire scientific curiosity and innovation. Warp drive technology presents a tantalizing possibility, but it faces numerous scientific, technological, and ethical challenges. As we advance our knowledge and push the boundaries of scientific understanding, only time will reveal whether warp drive will remain an idea confined to the pages of books or become a groundbreaking reality, propelling us into a new era of interstellar exploration.
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STAR TREK RESURGENCE GAME: A REVIEW Star Trek: Resurgence is an interactive, narrative adventure which places the gamer in charge of two protagonists. The first character is First Officer Jara Rydek, and the second is Petty Officer Carter Diaz, who provides services as an engineer for the USS Resolute. Rydek is new to the crew and has to prove herself to the more experienced members of the ship, while Diaz is an engineer trying to make his way in the galaxy.
Resurgence has several positive qualities. There are various intriguing scenes and issues the player has to grapple with, specifically when playing as Rydek. There is an instance where the Federation has been brought in as a peace broker to a foreign planet and the player must patiently watch as two divisive parties argue before ultimately deciding which side to place their trust in.
26 The characters are engaging and the game style helps to build your interest and feelings for them. The graphics aren't always the most cutting edge, but they still look fairly fresh, and there are some absolutely beautiful areas later in the game. The action scenes and the pacing is top notch. For those who already love Star Trek (that would be all of us then :0)) (or just this type of game), you will love this Star Trek: Resurgence. It felt like an authentic, extra-long episode. The ending is potentially emotional and satisfying.
Star Trek Resurgence is out now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.