Ages of the Federation is a new total conversion mod for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. This mod takes place in the Enterprise and Original series eras, focusing on the conflict between the early Federation and Klingon Empire. A resurgent Romulan Star Empire, angry and still licking its wounds after their defeat to Earth and her allies waits in the shadows, ready to take advantage of any of misstep by either the warring powers. The Xindi, new to the galactic stage are also eager to forge their own path.
The second Consititution-class starship leaves Earth.
The USS Constitution had been rushed to completion and hastily launched without so much as a christening, its presence in the field being a matter of urgent necessity that trumped any desire for pomp and ceremony. Her crew had scarcely taken to their stations before the Constitution had slipped from its berth and made its way out of the Sol system.
Work continued, however, on the other two Constitution-class ships still under construction, allowing Starfleet engineers time to make the additional refinements that the Constitution herself had launched without. When the second starship was ready to depart in the early months of 2245, all her systems were in peak condition, and a dedication and christening ceremony was organised for the launch of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701.
The first starship to bear the name since the decommissioning of the NX-01 80 years prior, the Enterprise's dedication ceremony was modest but significant. Attending were a number of Starfleet's most senior officers, Captain Robert April and his command staff, diplomatic representatives, media, and, most notably, Jonathan Archer - 133 years old, long retired, and the only guest Captain April cared about. At the ceremony's conclusion, Archer slowly walked April to the airlock, giving him some parting words of wisdom. Precisely what was said in their conversation was never shared - a private moment between two captains.
Archer returned to the viewing lounge as Enterprise cleared her moorings and began to move slowly out of spacedock. As he watched the magnificent new ship depart, those who knew him best could tell that his thoughts were on the day his own ship first left Earth, with the crew who had become his dear friends, and with Erika, who had given her life in the last war. Though contemplative, Archer seemed somehow...satisfied.
Having passed on the torch, Jonathan Archer returned to his home on Earth. He died peacefully the next day.
"Thrusters ahead. Take us out."
I wonder if it'll be possible to individually rename every starship you launch? Would be pretty cool.
Capital ships you can rename
I knew that much. I mean't like if it might be possible to re-name any class of ship. Just a thought really. Though with the Sins engine I don't see it possible as much as I hope lol
We need a log
Tshirtlaundry.com
I walked right into that one
You walked into a log?
"Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its mission; to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before.
At least, that should be her mission. This ship, the first to bare her legendary name in 80 years, was designed to explore the universe. But the weight of recent events has seen her take a different path. For a purpose that is not her destiny.
This war in which we are embroiled was not our choice and with her help it will not last forever. This ship, like her namesake, will usher in a new era for ourselves and our posterity. One in which we look to the heavens with the same wonder in our hearts as those that came before us.
We will continue that noble enterprise which they started and we will bring them with us in our hearts and in our memories to see all there is to see. Where no man has gone before."
- Captain Robert April, dedication speech for USS Enterprise
Jonathan Archer, Personal Journal Entry - February 12, 2245:
Just got back from the dedication, and my God - what a ship! I'd seen pictures, sure, and I'd seen her from a distance through the shuttle window, but when I stepped into that viewing lounge... I mean, she filled the whole viewport! Made my old ship look downright quaint in comparison. They offered me a quick tour, but I don't think my legs could take that much walking - the knee is acting up again. Still, the new Enterprise is a fine ship. I wish Trip was still around - come hell or high water, I know nothing would have stopped him from going on that tour. They'd probably still be trying to drag him out of the engine room as we speak!
Saw a few familiar faces at the ceremony. Most of these admirals were junior officers when I retired! Hell, Admiral Shukar snapped to attention and called me 'sir' when he saw me!
I tried chatting up Admiral Drake, hoping to find out just how the war is really going, but she was wise to my act before I'd even opened my mouth. Guess I'm not as charming as I used to be. Everything's 'classified' and 'need to know' these days, but I suppose that's for the best. Looks like I'll just have to rely on the news reports like everyone else. Still, it's frustrating being out of the loop.
I caught up with Soval. He's looking well. In fact, aside from his hair being a little more grey than I remember, I swear he hasn't aged a day. I know he's far older than I am, but damned if I didn't feel my age talking to him. To think that whipper-snapper used to lecture me! Ha! Actually I tried that one on him. He wasn't impressed. Typical.
I brought up the possibility of ending the war diplomatically, expecting him to dismiss the idea as far too improbable, but he surprised me. With a lecture, naturally. Apparently the Klingons are becoming increasingly frustrated with the war. If that frustration builds much further, Soval believes the Empire may be open to the prospect of a cease-fire. Here's hoping - too many good people have died in this war.
I'd never met Robert - Captain April, sorry - until today, but I was very impressed by him. We chatted and exchanged stories during the reception. When he described how much he was looking forward to being out in space again, even though he knew he'd made a valuable contribution here on Earth, it took me back to the time Trip and I took the Orbital 6 pod to inspect our Enterprise. Honestly, he reminds me a lot of myself. Call me vain for saying so, but I don't think that's a bad thing - I've had an amazing life.
Now that I mention it, I can't remember if Trip ever actually got around to fixing that damned scratch...
After we watched that bottle of champagne smash against his Enterprise's hull, and after everyone was done applauding, I walked with Robert to the airlock. He's been in command before, he knows the burdens as well as anyone, so he didn't need a pep talk. Instead, I reminded him to always, no matter how dark things get, remember who he is, and why he's out there among the stars. I almost forgot that once, before Erika brought me back to my senses. We're explorers, and after the fighting's done we're going to have to get back to work. We're going to need people like him.
In many ways I don't envy him. It's rough out there. Neither of us mentioned it, but I know that he knows - he's going to lose people. I don't want Robert to struggle with it like I did. After our talk we shook hands, and he boarded his ship. I can't think of a better man to be captain of the Enterprise.
I got back to the viewing lounge just in time to watch her start to pull out of spacedock. I took some time to myself. I try not to think too much about the 'good old days', but seeing the new Enterprise and talking with Captain April led me to indulge a little, I think. I like to think I've achieved some good things in my lifetime, but those years on my Enterprise, with my crew - those were some of the best years of my life. Looking back and taking stock, I really don't have many regrets. After today, I feel like I've done everything in this life I was meant to do. It's a good feeling.
Anyway, it's time to cut this short. It's late and I've had a long day - these old bones need their rest. I haven't been this tired in a long time.
I might contact T'Pol on Vulcan tomorrow. See how she's doing.
End Entry.
I have no words which can do this justice, bravo.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain Archer.
Orion, that fit the character so well that I read it in Scott Bakula's voice. you guys are amazing.