- the Royal Manticoran Navy!

The Royal Manticoran Navy Newsletter
Second Quarter • 2015
A Manticore’s Tale
Second Convention, Second Fleet
The Birth of MantiCon
F
or an international group numbering approximately
three thousand members, one would hardly believe
there would be enough support for one annual convention…
but two? After much anticipation and a ton of work behind
the scenes, Second Fleet TRMN launched MantiCon 2015
over Memorial Day weekend at the Hilton Minneapolis/St.
Paul Airport Mall of America hotel. With three days of activities, everyone was caught up in the allure of the moment.
This was part of the charm – everything was tailored to
make MantiCon an immersive experience. As soon as the attendees came in to register, they were greeted by the Manticore reflecting in the lobby’s waterfall. The Ops Staff were
not only in uniform, but had taken on “Shore Patrol” yellow
berets and brassards, making them easily identifiable throughout the convention. “This was a brilliant AND fun strategy for
the MantiCon Ops Staff,” said Sick Berth Mate Third Class
Jane Dusek, HMS Intrepid. “I think it should be adopted at
all RMN Cons. But then, l might be kinda partial.” Of course,
such a non-canon choice led to much discussion. Rear Admiral Laura Lochen, SIA Commandant, pointed out that “Probably Station Patrol is the equivalent, but there is nothing to
say navies of the future would not use the old Shore Patrol
name without thinking about it.”
With such care made to the arrival, the Opening Ceremonies were no less impressive, with a color guard pulled from
each of the countries that attended the convention. Lieutenant (SG) Chris Thompson, HMS Valkyrie, who also serves
in the US Air Force, even got in his dress blues to carry the
American flag for the procession. As soon as the introduction
was intoned, the spacers present were treated to a concert by Harisen Daiko, the local Kumidaiko group (better
known by us round eyes as Taiko Drumming) pounded
out a riveting and magical festival beat called Harisen
Matsuri… led by none other than our own Captain (SG)
Jill McTavish, commanding HMS Valkyrie.
Before the panels could fire up, the other activities
moved in full force. Commander Jon Stout, HMS Rigel, took his duties seriously in leading potential young
tactical officers through the elements of modern space
combat. For those interested in a more interactive experience, Lieutenant Thompson led the team that set up
HMS Valkyrie, the second version of their HMS Artemis Bridge Simulator. “This is the first time David and
Sharon have seen this immersive of a setup. They really
enjoyed it!” The Valkyrie had competition from the professionals from Fallout Shelter Arcade and their massive
MechWarrior simulators, as well as play testing the new
Honorverse RPG, so no one went away disappointed.
With promotions and awards announced over the
weekend, Sergeant-Major Leah Bloodgood, MarDet
HMS Invincible, held a vital role being in charge of the
popular BuSup table. “I want to thank everyone who
helped me,” she posted. “Without you I would have had
to conscript people to run get me food all the time or take
Ghosty potty.” But the real draw at the sergeant-major’s
table was the announcement that female treecats were
available for sale. “I brought up the “tail” end of the stampede and was bonded with one of the last ‘cats available
at MantiCon,” Master Sergeant Doug Henry, HMS Artemis,
beamed standing with his new companion on his shoulders.
When the panels opened, they blew everyone’s expectations away. The average attendee might have expected from
HonorCon having the access to the Guests of Honor, David
Weber, Timothy Zahn, and Eric Flint. What they didn’t expect was the variety of options and well-researched topics.
There was extreme costuming, showing off many of the Honorverse creations of Captain (JG) Misty Edwards, commanding HMS Beowulf. “I enjoyed the various panels I attended,”
Commander Sherman Day, commanding HMS Gallant, announced, “and have to say that the Dueling was one of the
best. I took away something that clarified for me many things
in The D’Artegnan Romances: ‘You give me the lie? Defend
yourself!’”
Greg Marchand is about to disembowel his panel participant.
At one point during His Grace’s panel, it was something
innocuous that he said that set off a firestorm. David Weber
revealed that Grayson accents are Welsh sounding and everyone’s minds were blown. “He didn’t say they were Welsh,”
Commodore Zach Perkins clarified, “just that their accent…
evolved into something that’s close to the characteristics of
Welsh. He was saying it as a point of clarification that the
“soft accents” he describes are usually interpreted as being
Southern, but that that isn’t at all the case.” The discussion
ranged far and wide, leading Captain (JG) Jaeryn Spedden,
commanding HMS Tisiphone, to have the definitive word.
“In the end it’s his universe and he gets the final say. It’s just
so weird with all the other info we already have. But it’s not
uncommon for authors to leave you a trail, let you come to
a conclusion and then tell you that you went way out of the
way.”
On Saturday night, came the banquet, which might have
cost the convention into the red, but the sheer magnificence
of it was enough to awe even the most jaded con-goer. After
that, came the first Awards Ceremony, which led to many
high awards being issued, including many elevations to and
within the peerage. However, none were as amazing as the
notice that TRMN’s highest award, the Parliamentary Medal
of Valor, was awarded to Commander Ashley Nichols and
Lieutenant (SG) Stephen Rosenthal, both serving aboard
HMS Barbarossa. While serving with the 501st Legion, one
2
A Manticore’s Tale
The color guard prepares for Opening Ceremonies:
(left to right) Chris Thompson, Megan Schroeder, Megan Krick,
Jan Cába, Eric Larsen, and Doug Henry.
of the member’s children suddenly doubled up in pain.
Nichols immediately went to help, along with Rosenthal, who was finishing up nursing school. The commander immediately instituted area security while
Rosenthal conducted a focused assessment, revealing
a hypoglycemic episode. He immediately administered some fruit juice and water to the child, helping
the child to come back around while waiting for New
Orleans EMS to arrive. For their quick lifesaving actions, the First Lord of the Admiralty was proud to
award them the PMV.
After the ceremony, there was the Big Cat Rescue
Auction, dancing, and parties galore that stretched
far into the night. Those that managed to wake up on
Sunday morning were treated to the Duchess’ tea with
Sharon Rice-Weber. “For the Duchess’ tea, the refreshments were sponsored by various ships, people, and
units.” Captain (SG) James Jones, commanding HMS
Cerberus, explained, “Thus, the Squadron card, the
[First Space Lord’s] card, and the two ships [invites]
are shown there.” Commander Matthew Parker, commanding HMS Aegis, also pointed out that “Aegis had
one [card] too, and we stole a bunch of them.” Sick
Berth Mate 2nd Class Paulette Kilgore also noticed
that “There were a lot of flags made the (very early)
morning before the tea,” all of the hard work leading
to a memorable experience.
Ship and peerage crests adorn invites to the Duchess’ Tea.
Second Quarter
The Creator congratulates the Czechs and other players on their
performance of the Trial of Pavel Young.
(above, left to right) Drew Drentlaw, Justin Grays, Wayne Bruns,
Jan Kotouč, and Brian Dale Horton. (below) Elisa Randall,
Jan Cába, David Weber, Lenka Lukachova, and Doug Henry.
However, one of the most popular panels was the Trial of Pavel Young, led by Vice Admiral Jan Kotouč and
his BatCruRon 39 contingent from the Czech Republic.
Commander Zachary McCauley remembered that “I was
press-ganged into a staff role that had me everywhere,
and I worked the majority of the con, [but] I still did get
to have fun. I was lucky to take part in the trial of Pavel
Young as Tankersley. The big thing for me was meeting
the people from Second Fleet that I had seen online, as
well as seeing those who I met at HonorCon this past
year.” When they finished, His Grace himself, elevated
as the Grand Duke of Montana, applauded their efforts.
Captain (SG) Wayne Bruns, commanding HMS Imperatrix, and Lieutenant (JG) Heidi Nelson, HMS Invincible, organized an auction to raise funds for the Big Cat
Rescue, to imitate Honorcon’s success that had raised
$950. There were many wonderful items, including a set
of Honor comics signed by His Grace himself. According to Rear Admiral John Neitz, commanding Second
Fleet, they raised over $3200! Even cleanup on Memorial
Day was a cinch, possibly because no one wanted to say
goodbye. As a result, Civilian Lily Thompson noticed that
“Take down went so fantastically with that many people
to help. Shiny awesome people!” Her husband, Chris,
echoed that sentiment. “Words cannot describe how
much it means to have friends such as you, willing to help
out at a moment’s notice, without being asked.”
However, the con’s finish did not mean the end of the festivities. To spend more time with the Czechs who had flown
so far to be with them, they went to a bar called Merlin’s
Rest for the Fourth Monday Sings. These are generally kind
of family-friendly folk song sings, and while the Czechs
were being catered by Lieutenant Thompson, Admiral Neitz
led the RMN expedition in music. Spacer 1/c Skye Arroyo,
HMSS Greenwich, was stunned. “What a FANTASTIC performance from all! The commodore has a beautiful singing
voice and the chorus was spot on!” After singing, Second
Fleet made sure to take the Czechs to Matt’s Bar to consume
the infamous Juicy Lucy burgers and four massive baskets
of fries. Despite this gluttonous levity, Captain (SG) Bill Lochen, commanding HMS Invincible, pointed out that there
was “not one scorched cheek or burned mouth. That cheese
embedded in the middle of the burger is hot!”
Jon Stout (left) and Nate Summerside (right) duel across the spaceways in SITS, while Grace and Garrett Bitker watch at a safe distance.
Considering David Weber had to go into surgery for a
pacemaker after the convention, it was amazing that no one
dropped from the fun they were all having. “I had a great
time at MantiCon,” Admiral of the Fleet Martin Lessem
announced, “and want to thank all the staff for your hard
work.” Warrant Officer 1/c Michael Cucchiarella agreed,
“Thanks to everyone I encountered for making this the best
con ever and Bobby and I are looking forward to seeing you
all again next year.” Commodore Diane Bulkeley, HMS Enterprise, had come all the way from Colorado Springs and
exclaimed, “All I can say to you wonderful people is thank
you. You all lived up to that great reputation you have for
this stuff… Thank you all. You touched our hearts.”
A Manticore’s Tale
Published Quarterly by BuComm - Landing, Manticore
Production Team:
CPT (JG) Marcus Johnston, OC, CGM - Director of Publications
Jill McTavish (center drum) plays with Harisen Daiko, the
local Kumidaiko group (Taiko Drumming), at MantiCon 2015.
2015
Editorial Board:
ADM Lord Robert Bulkeley, Jr., SC, CGM, DSO - 4th Space Lord
RADM Eric Schulmann, SC, OG, EM - Commander, 1st Fleet
CPT (SG) Zach White, OG, ME - Chief of Staff, BuComm
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
3
Message from the Chief
Words and Wisdom from the Senior Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
A
in’t NOONE Perfect.
We are hovering
at a membership of
approximately
3000
people (and 130 spam
bots). In an organization
this size and as we
grow we are going
to find ourselves as
members working with
OTHER people that
are needed to assist us.
These few volunteers
are going to be doing
their best to assist you
in any way possible.
But there will be
mistakes made. Exams
will be lost, Promotions
forgotten, awards put
off, miscommunications and all manner of chaos as the
mighty “Murphy” rears his evil head.
Even members of the Admiralty may type or say
something that comes across as harsh, heavy handed or
just silly. Lord knows I myself have stepped on some toes
and feelings.
It has happened, it will happen again. The question is
what do WE as members do about it.
First we can’t control what others do or say, we CAN
however control how we react to it.
Do we meekly ignore it? Do we Hammer BACK, do we
quit the organization? Do we forgive and forget?
I submit that how we handle something can control the
ultimate outcome for the better. If we remember a few
things, including “Ain’t NOONE perfect” and everyone
in the org is a volunteer doing their best in a growing
orginization, and MOST importantly EVERY volunteer
really wants you to have as much fun as possible then
half the battle is won!
I think of it like this. We are all just people. We are all
doing our best to get by in life. Everyone has feelings,
dreams, goals and desires. Ultimately we are all brothers
and sisters in life. We can go together or go at odds.
Ultimately to many we are only words on a screen to
each other. Until we all meet in person, this is a harsh
reality of how we communicate in this day and age. It
can be difficult to understand each other, or see the other
persons’ point.
4
A Manticore’s Tale
What I think is the best thing that can be done is to first,
remember that “Ain’t NOONE perfect” and honestly treat
every member of the org as you would want ot be treated in
their place. No matter how justified you feel in your anger
or what the other person said or did.
Words on a screen.
I know that over time I have offended a few of you. I can
say til I’m purple that it was unintended, or that my motives
are pure. Ultimately it comes down to you all whether you
accept my apology. But it is an apology freely offered. I
for one do my best every day to serve as many of you as
possible. To be there to answer any questions, to make you
feel welcome and more importantly to make you feel SAFE
coming to me with a concern. Or even just to vent.
When it comes right down to it, I’m just some guy in front
of a computer screen who has a passion for his favorite
author and his works that wants to share with the world.
As I ask you to forgive me for any slights I may have
caused you, or failures I have made I ask for one more thing.
Forgive each other. Join together in the unity that this
club enjoys so often. Know that we are ALL just people in
front of a computer screen sharing a passion for an author.
We all want to share in this passion.
Always yours,
SMCPON Tom Coonradt NS, ME
Chief of the Navy
After crushing all his
rivals, the Chief sits
alone upon the Iron
Throne, at
NorWesCon 2015.
At least until the
dragons show up.
Second Quarter
Fat Man and Little Boy
by Lieutenant Commander William Knight, HMS Avalon (CL-395)
O
n 11 April 2015 at 07:30, Pinnace Two departed
from HMS Avalon to begin picking up officers,
crew and civilian guests for a five hour tour of the Los
Alamos Neutron Science Center. The away team,
consisting of Commander Dan Brandow, Lieutenant
Commander William Knight, Ensign Michael Roybal,
CPO Jacob Sandoval, SP3/C Amrit Khalsa, and SP3/C
Rob Clevenger of the HMS Avalon, as well as civilian
guests Joseph Bradley, Shawn Crowder, Marion Dubois,
Josiah Mulligan, and Emily Peak met at a breakfast café
local to Los Alamos, New Mexico, and once assembled
departed for the Los Alamos Accelerator, arriving at
09:00.
Upon arrival Commander Brandow transferred
command of the landing party to his Executive Officer,
Lieutenant Commander Knight, who works at the facility
as an environmental Health Physicist and arranged the
tour. The team was then taken through security onto
the facility property, and issued visitor badges. Once
on site, LANSCE facility scientist Matthew Murray gave
an overview of the LANSCE facility, which included a
safety overview as well as photos and brief movies of
some of the past and current projects being performed
by the facility.
The team then took a tour of some of the highlights of
(L-R) Dan Brandow, Michael Roybal, and William Knight pose
next to replicas of the original contact nuclear devices – code
named “Fat Man” and “Little Boy.
2015
LANSCE including the injector building where the protons
are generated and the drift tube and coupled-cavity linear
accelerators which accelerate the protons to eighty percent
of the speed of light.These near light speed protons, being
charged particles, are then delivered to various parts of
the facility using high current electromagnets magnets to
bend the beam and deliver it to various experimental areas
such as the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center, the Isotope
Production Facility, the Proton Radiography Facility, and
the Ultra Cold Neutron Facility.
The 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator;
the coolest-sounding device ever built.
The core LANSCE facility is one of the nation’s
most powerful proton linear accelerators or LINAC.
The 800-mega-electron-volt (800 MeV) LINAC provides
beam current, simultaneously, to experimental facilities
with unique capabilities. The LINAC provides the beam
current required by all the experimental areas that
support NNSA-DP and other DOE missions. The first
stage of the accelerator contains injector systems for each
kind of particle (protons and antiprotons). Each injector
system has a 750-keV Cockroft-Walton generator and
an ion source. The two ion sources produce protons and
antiproton particles inside high-voltage domes. After
they leave the injector, the two ion beams are merged,
bunched and matched into a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear
accelerator (linac) for further acceleration to 100 MeV.
The third and longest stage of the accelerator (800m)
is the side-coupled-cavity linac, where particles are
accelerated to their final energy of 800 MeV. The particle
beams from the linac are separated and directed down
three main beam lines leading to several experimental
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
5
areas including pRad, UCN, and the Lujan Center and
WNR operations area. Operators can control the H + and
H- beams separately, allowing most experiments to run
simultaneously.
They also visited the Lujan Neutral Scattering Center,
which has instruments that operate in time of flight mode
receiving neutrons from a tungsten spallation target.
Four moderators provide epi-thermal, thermal and cold
neutrons to specialized beamlines, operating for a total of
3,000 hours per year. At the core of the Lujan Center is a
20Hz spallation neutron target and the LANSCE proton
accelerator, which operates at an energy of 800 MeV
with typical beam currents of 100 – 125 microamperes.
The Lujan Center’s highly optimized tungsten spallation
target provides a high peak flux with a broad wavelength
bandwidth per frame. Two liquid hydrogen moderators
provide high intensity cold neutron beams ideally suited
for reflectometry, inelastic scattering and small angle
scattering. In addition to the highly versatile and modern
suite of beamlines, the Lujan Center offers access to
a large variety of specialized sample environments,
including low temperatures down to 40mK, magnetic
fields up to 11T, high temperature furnaces up to 2400C
and uniaxial stress (F_max=250kN) and fluid as well as
This set of radiographs taken after various metals were shocked
from below reveals radically different behavior; for example, the
aluminum sample splits into layers while the tin sample melts.
anvil cell pressure capabilities (30GPa-2000K).
Then they moved on to the Isotope Production Facility.
Los Alamos has produced radioactive isotopes for
medicine and research since the mid-1970s, but it wasn’t
until the early 90’s that they upgraded and improved
the irradiation capabilities of the radioisotope program,
resulting in the separate facility. The IPF facility utilizes a
100 MeV proton beam extracted from the main LANSCE
accelerator and directed to a modern target irradiation
facility. They also have a Proton Radiography Facility; a
field of science actually invented at Los Alamos National
Laboratory. It provides a unique understanding of
the fundamental behavior of materials. The proton
radiography project has used 800 MeV protons, provided
by the LANSCE accelerator facility at LANL, to diagnose
more than 300 dynamic experiments in support of
6
A Manticore’s Tale
The entire Los Alamos facility from the sky.
national and international weapons science and stockpile
stewardship programs. Through this effort significant
experience has been gained in using charged particles as
direct radiographic probes to diagnose transient systems.
The last facility they saw was the LANSCE Ultracold
Neutron (UCN) source. It’s a unique facility that produces
high energy spallation neutrons and uses solid deuterium
to cool the neutrons by one million billion-fold. The
resulting UCNs have some unique properties that allow
them to be studied precisely: they move at speeds of only
a few meters per second, and are completely confined by
magnetic fields and material bottles for many hundreds of
seconds at a time. These properties lead to very precise
low energy particle physics experiments that search for
small differences between measurement and prediction,
and these precision measurements are a powerful
tool for investigating new physical processes which
can complement and rival experiments at high energy
colliders such as CERN. There are several new and ongoing experiments at the UCN source that measure decay
correlations and other properties of the neutron. This
program of measurements probes the particle physics
underlying neutron decay, and has important implications
for high energy physics and cosmology.
The Accelerator portion of the tour concluded at
approximately 14:00, and Lieutenant Commander
Knight requested and was granted relief of command by
Commander Brandow. The landing party then returned
to Los Alamos and had lunch, followed by a visit to the
Bradbury Science Museum, which is operated by the Los
Alamos National Laboratory and displays approximately
40 interactive exhibits which trace the history of the
WWII Manhattan Project, highlight the Laboratory’s
current and historic research projects related to defense
and technology, and focus on Laboratory research related
to national and international economic, environmental,
political, and social concerns. The tour concluded at
approximately 15:30. Civilian personnel returned to their
daily activities and ship personnel departed for their
assigned duty locations. Everyone left the facility wowed
by the immensity of scientific research.
Second Quarter
gns Honor’s new comics
What does HMS stand for?
by Rear Admiral John Neitz, commanding Second Fleet
Heather Selbe and her new pair of treecats at MantiCon 2015.
gns Honor’s new comics
Treecats Everywhere
by Chief Boatswain’s Mate Lara Beilby, HMS Merlin
Bleek to the left Bleek to the right
Celery is disappearing out of sight
Piston paws talking to their chosen
We need meat fresh not frozen
Got to get used to different flesh
Fish, steak, turkey wrapped in mesh
Cooked and heated different style
Leaves to Sphinx for rabbit in the meanwhile
HMS is the prefix used with Royal Manticoran Navy
ship names, and it stands for “Her Majesty’s Ship”
during the time period of the Honor Harrington novels,
since the Star Kingdom of Manticore is ruled by Queen
Elizabeth III. In eras when the reigning monarch was a
king, then HMS would stand for “His Majesty’s Ship.”
Conveniently, it is not necessary to change the letters!
HMS is also the prefix used in the British Royal Navy
in the real world, and has been used historically for
over two centuries. It is one of the many details that
David Weber has used in the Honor Harrington series
to translate the flavor of the Horatio Hornblower naval
adventures into futuristic military science fiction.
When you know what it stands for, you realize why
it is incorrect to say “the” before HMS. Say it out loud:
“The Her Majesty’s Ship Fearless” does not make any
sense! Both in real world British usage and throughout
the books, you will find conventional usage is consistently
“HMS Shipname” and never “the HMS Shipname.” In
fact, in the canon of Honorverse novels and short stories
(nearly five million words at this point) the word string
“the HMS” occurs only once, in Timothy Zahn’s story
With One Stone. David Weber himself never uses it.
Clans sending representatives to ships
Sign classes info passes to ear from lips
Water, Celery, meat names Rank and name sign
Directions, stylized numbers for paws fine
Bleek to the right Bleek to the left
Treecats mixing with crews warp and weft
Partners minds burning with unseen glow
Only the six pawed creatures know
Treecats appropriate Caitlyn Miller’s air car at Shore Leave 2014.
2015
Christina and John Neitz at Convergence 2014.
When using the ship name without the “HMS” prefix,
it is acceptable to use “the.” For example “…aboard the
Fearless,” is acceptable, although it is just as correct (and
somewhat more common in both British and Honorverse
usage) to leave out “the” and say “…aboard Fearless.”
For the prefixes of most other navies, it is usually fine
to use “the.” For example, it would be OK to say “aboard
the USS Enterprise,” since that is short for “the United
States Ship Enterprise” (if referring to the USN aircraft
carrier) or “the United Space Ship Enterprise” (in the
Star Trek universe).
If you want to say it the same way they say it in the
Honorverse: Never say or write “The” before “HMS…”
when referring to a Royal Manticoran Navy ship.
It’s not a big deal, but it is a simple way to lend a more
canon style to your TRMN interactions and thus enhance
everyone’s fun.
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
7
Lafayette, We Have Returned
by Captain (SG) Zach White, HMS Beowulf (BC-729)
O
n Saturday, D-Day, the 6th of June, members of the
TRMN chapter HMS Beowulf had a unique opportunity to visit a historic reconstruction of the French frigate that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to the American Colonies to pledge the aid of France to the cause of
the Continental Congress and her fledgling and struggling
army.
Made entirely of native French oak, the Hermione is a
replica of the tall ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to America in 1780. Under the direction of the Hermoine-Lafayette Association, the project attracted skilled
craftsmen from France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the
United Kingdom. They began construction in 1997 in Rochefort, France using shipbuilding techniques of the 18th
century. There were few modern-day exceptions made for
strength and safety precautions.
The frigate with an overall length of 216 feet is captained by Yann Cariou, a 30 year veteran of the French
Naval Service. Second in command is Charlene Giquel
with a crew of 18 seasoned, period trained, sailors and 54
Edward Menken, Zach White, and Misty Edwards
pose by the ship’s wheel.
student volunteers. Their voyage covered 3819 miles across
the Atlantic Ocean to her first stop in Yorktown, Virginia.
Once they leave Yorktown, they will travel up the Eastern
Seaboard to make port calls at Mount Vernon, Alexandria/Washington DC, Annapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
New York City, Newport, Boston, Castine (Maine), and
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
The crew of HMS Beowulf was fortunate enough to get
some of the last passes offered during that day and boarded the massive ship to tour the deck. The ship was very
accurately kitted out and the necessary modern conveniences were well masked under deck fittings and canvas
8
A Manticore’s Tale
The Hermione docked at the Historic Yorktown waterfront.
coverings that blended almost seamlessly into the scenery
on the ship. It was like stepping back in time. Even the crew
members were dressed in period correct clothing. Once on
board the shear size of the ship became apparent, looking
up into the rigging as the massive masts towered above you.
If you tried hard enough and closed your eyes you could
almost hear the creaking of the deck and the rigging as the
ship surged through the waves. Captain White pointed out
to Captain Edwards the red paint on the interior of the ship
and remarked that it was to hide the inevitable blood during battles! The tour of the ship finished, the crew retired to
the XO’s quarters for a barbecue and enjoyed the evening in
each other’s company.
The ports of call for the vessel as well as some of the history can be found at www.hermione2015.com. The trip is
highly recommended if the vessel is to be docked in your
area! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
Not quite up to a
Nike’s broadside,
but pretty good for
the time.
Second Quarter
A Bivouac at Sea
Muir Point playing Axis and Allies War at Sea
Corporal Scott Taggart, commanding the Muir Point
Bivouac, is one of those addicts waiting to try his fleet out
against all comers. First introduced to A&A while serving
in the US Army down in Panama, it started a life-long love
of gaming, which followed him as he became an assistant
manager at a gaming store upon returning to the civilian
world. About six years ago, Taggart discovered the A&A
minis game and convinced a couple of civilians, Bob West
and Darren Fong, and formed the Armchair Admirals.
Bob is the avid naval historian, who actually helps with
WWII PT Boat restoration, and he primarily plays the Allies, specializing in cruiser tactics and screens. In fact, Bob
is putting together a scenario guide on his website, all proceeds going to the USO. Darren plays primarily Japanese,
and is usually carrier and airplane heavy, but occasionally
Corporal Scott Taggart (left) holds his destroyed ship
goes as the Americans as well. Scott primarily plays Gerin disbelief as his grand strategy falls apart.
many and Italy, and also has a strong Allied Atlantic fleet,
but his main love is subs. His German Wolfpack is almost
here’s a saying among gamers: crack would be cheap- 20 subs strong.
er. However, for those worthy individuals who have
invested seriously in their miniature gaming materials, when
you see an entire American carrier group rolling over the
competition, the payoff is worth it. So it’s understandable
that members of the Muir Point Bivouac get together, they
want to get as much play out of their ships as possible.
Wizards of the Coast expanded the popular Axis and Allies
franchise starting with their European theatre version back
in 1999. However, their later Pacific theatre game lacked a
solid naval combat system. So in 2007, they came up with
a miniatures version, giving the casual naval gamer the joy
A massive line of battle.
of moving a physical ship across a board, but still using the
streamlined rules that the A&A is known for. Now people
In their most recent engagement, Bob set up a board of
can get involved with a WWII battle at sea without memo- his own creation, which can hold up to 15000 point games
rizing the shell size of an Iowa-class battleship, or renting on it. Scott faced his Allied fleet against the power of the
a gymnasium to fit the miniatures on a scaled down ocean.
Imperial Japanese Navy. In one game, ‘the Allies won by
T
landing on Iwo, but it cost America two thirds of its cruiser force. It also cost America most of its air cover, heavily traded with the IJN forces,’ Taggart explained. But the
vagaries of fate may grant the laurels in one battle, and in
the next, ‘I’m getting my rear admiral handed to me.’
Corporal Taggart would love to play any RMN Navy
vets or even host a game at a con. ‘It’s an excellent change
to explore and learn about military… and WWII naval history,’ he smiled. So if you’re willing to put in the time and
investment, Axis & Allies at Sea is a thrilling game, and
a quick one—perfect to enjoy time on an afternoon with
your friends.
Two fleets exchanging blows in a narrow strait.
2015
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
9
Visions of Grandeur
10th Fleet’s Treecats Play Havoc at Norwescon
Some say that it started when the Iron Throne appeared
at the con; others suggested it was the presence of the
First Space Lord and his lenient attitude. Whatever the
cause, the treecats of 10th Fleet suddenly went amuck
at Norwescon, which took place in Seattle, Washington
from April 2nd through the 5th at the DoubleTree by
Hilton SeaTac Airport hotel.
George RR Martin was the guest of honor; hence the
Iron Throne appeared at the con, a rather impressive
celebrity for the event. However, once Captain
McKinnon’s ‘cat, Boojum, took one look at the metal
chair, he hopped right up on it and started signing, <Get
me one of those dragon eggs and start one of those feasts
I see on HBO!>
Despite SMCPON Tom Coonradt’s attempt to hold
the celery supply at bay, one of Boojum’s henchmen,
Aki, discovered the salad bar at the hotel restaurant, and
suddenly there was nothing stopping them. While they
distracted their companions with Laser Tag and Nerf
weapons, run by the talented Private Scott Perrin, they
continued up their hijinks, even convincing two bands
of SCA fighters to throw tennis balls at each other. All
Commander Mir Plemmons, executive officer HMS
Truculent, could do was hope to contain the chaos, and
acted as marshal of the list.
The First Space Lord keeps his minions on their toes.
part of their Silver Award project for Girl Scouts.)
Finally, Captain (SG) Timothy Monk, commanding
HMS Truculent, finally met up at the SITS gaming table
to hatch up a plan, gathering together as many of Tenth
Fleet’s marines as he could. With the help of Corpsman
2/c John Perkins-woeck, Private Brianna Gilbeck, and
Private Andrew Perkins-Blume—all attending their first
convention—they finally were able to herd the treecats
towards the Coonradt’s hotel room, and then pinned
them there with Corporal Christina Coonradt’s iced and
plain cookies until they could calm down from their
power trip.
Mir Plemmons (holding stick) marshals the list at Norwescon.
Meanwhile, the youth programming was targeted, due
to the ‘cats love of the childrens’ simpler emotions, and
Captain (JG) Sir Patrick McKinnion and Lieutenant (SG)
Camin Keplinger Bradbury, HMS Andromeda, built up a
cardboard city with the kids only to watch the egged-on
children ‘kaiju stomp’ it to pieces… not once, but TWICE!
After a while, even their daughter, Midshipwoman Mhari
McKinnion-Bradbury, joined with Gina Clark and Cora
Booth to hold a “We say NO to bullies” panel against the
treecats’ antics. (Gina and Mhari later used this panel as
10
A Manticore’s Tale
Charles Beedle, Scott Akers, James Sena, Timothy Monk,
Boojum (on table), and Patrick McKinnon.
Second Quarter
Trapped on the monorail with two-legs (Igglesworth, tiny, center).
Pocket ‘Cats and Hershey Bars
by Mr. Igglesworth, the Pocket Treecat,
translated by CT1 Alice Fawcett. HMS Rigel (BC-591)
Victoria Coonradt borrows her dad’s jacket
on a cold morning in April.
With order restored, Fleet Admiral Scott Akers,
First Space Lord, was finally able to conduct the
awards ceremony. The main awards were honoring the
amazing feat of life-saving that happened at OryCon last
November. S1/c Jacob Engstrom (RHN), Captain Patrick
McKinnion, and Commodore James Sena, who were
awarded the Queens Cross for Bravery, for their primary
assistance in stabilizing the victim. Meanwhile the
assistance of Commander Amber Witherspoon, Captain
Dale Imbleau (GSN), Captain (JG) James Jones, Chief
Petty Officer Jessica Allen, Midshipwoman Clarissa
Jacobwitz, and Spacer 3/c Kaitlyn Kemke was honored
with the Gryphon Star. Of course, even then, Boojum
insisted on being at the table with the officers during the
ceremony.
With sanity restored, missile pods were fired at the
Saturday night party, and Chief Coonradt getting an
X-Wing session in before the end. Finally, the ships of
Tenth Fleet returned home to their docks, and spacers
back to their duties. It was a convention none of them
were likely to forget.
Crewmembers from HMS Artegal and HMS Rigel head to Hershey.
2015
I
, Iggy, being of sound mind, am here to offer the true
report of the Hershey Trip. After seeing my two-legged
escort’s bland report of events, I knew I had to set the
record straight. Her report has been deleted for the benefit
of all. You can thank me later.
As for Hershey, members of both HMS Rigel and HMS
Artegal were very productive in all aspects of grooming to
be the best of their chief clan elder’s hunters and scouts.
Not only did they perfect their translations on contraptions
they call roller coasters with excellent results, but they
worked on their tracking from great heights such as the
“Ferris wheel” and “monorail”. Not even so much an upset
stomach was seen among them in both instances. I may not
have been so lucky, but my two-legged escort can be rest assured that her pockets are safe. I do have to report, though,
that she needs practice with her astrogation. She got us lost
for not calculating in the water park. At least, that is what
she claims happened. To put it plainly, never give her any
real ship astrogation to do or she might forget a planet.
And not one person let me pounce on this “wild mouse”
that was such a bother to them. It would have made a great
lunch... Unfortunately, we started losing members as their
time for watch came up but, we still had enough time and
members to do some drills on the racing coasters called
“Lightning Racers.” According to my two-leg’s report, their
results go under the word “classified,” which I assume is
another word for losing. No? Huh. As a few more crew
members departed for their respected watches, I accompanied my two-leg escort to a ride called Laff Trakk. No worries, though. All the crew members that departed for the
day still got to ride with us for we had a key chain with the
everyone’s picture that we had taken earlier in the day. I
only wished that my two-legged companion had taken the
picture of us in the mirror where I was taller than her.
Finally, to close the night and events to report, my two-leg
and I commandeered the pirate ship that was closed earlier in the day. From her mind glow and perhaps my own,
I think we just didn’t want to leave such an awesome day
behind. That is my report and I am sticking to it.
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
11
Clan of the Fez
Weber and WillyCon
6th Fleet (and a little of Second) poses
with Duke and Duchess Leutzen Vale.
A
s of this printing, we’re still not sure what
compelled the Prime Minister to travel to the far
reaches of Sphinx, but it didn’t take long for Sixth Fleet to
converge on the hills of Wayne, Nebraska for WillyCon
XVII. A subsidiary of the Wayne State College Science
Fiction and Fantasy Club, WillyCon was held from April
10th through the 12th. It was open to everyone who braved
the trip, despite their chosen theme of Steampunk(ish) or
Post-Apocalyptic(ish)… or was it Dystopian(ish)... well,
you get the drift.
Commodore Melyssa Smith, Deputy Commander
of 6th Fleet, explained that ‘The members of the HMS
Tisiphone, HMS Aegis, HMS Invictus, HMS Lionheart,
and of course my own humble crews from Oklahoma,
Steven Thum poses with David Weber.
12
A Manticore’s Tale
HMS Pegasus, HMS Hydra, and HMS Bravery, have
done this fleet, and this organization, proud. Through
hard work, dedication, and a positive outlook they went
out of their way to show Wayne how the TRMN is more
than “just” and anything. That we are a group of people
who will not only accept but welcome anyone willing to
come play with us. That we are more than numbers, and
rank, and location, we are a team, a family.’
The fact that approximately 15 people signed up
during the weekend is proof of that hospitality. ‘Some
of them will be staying aboard either HMS Tisiphone
or HMS Aegis,’ explained Captain (JG) Jaeyrn Spedden,
commanding HMS Tisiphone, ‘Most of them though
will be launching a ship in Wayne. We also got a Marine
for Aegis, a Civilian who will possibly end up with the
Diplomatic Corps and a member of the Army who is also
contemplating starting a Bivouac in Wayne. All in all, a
very productive weekend for us!’ S3/c Michael Burgess,
David signs a
complete set
of Tales of
Honor comic
books that were
donated for the
charity auction
at MantiCon.
HMS Aegis, who was one of the new recruits, said
‘Thank you for your overwhelming kindness in honoring
me in the presence of Admiral Weber and Dame Sharon
at WillyCon. Not only was I deeply touched but I was
nearly rendered speechless (a feat nearly impossible to
achieve). Through that nefarious bit of campaigning you
have won yourself a new recruit.’
‘Personally I would like to make you honorary
members of the new not so secret secret and completely
unofficial clan of the fez,’ Commodore Smith giggled,
explaining how it was created in the process of recruiting
Second Quarter
one of our newest members. ‘ We all wear silly hats and
tell crazy jokes and have a great time, the only rule,
you can’t take yourself or anything else too seriously or
you have your silly hat taken away. Swedish fish may
or may not be involved, coconuts, swallows, and white
rabbits most definitely are.’ After she stopped laughing
manically, then apologized for being sleep deprived, the
deputy fleet commander explained, ‘He was wearing a
fez and we all thought it was too awesome not to make
this thing up right then.’
Between the panels, and the gaming [not formally
structured], and the book exchange, the local Amtgard (a
fantasy LARP organization) made an appearance and our
own officers couldn’t resist. Commander Shane Coble,
HMS Bravery, took up the ‘blade,’ and forced a pirate
to his knees with his quick footwork. All the spacers in
Sharon Rice-Weber is moved by all the birthday wishes.
Commander Coble drives back the Nebraska pirates during an
Amtgard boarding action.
attendance couldn’t help but be amazed. Besides running
the recruitment table, and the occasional partying, they
held their own panel on running a fan club chapter. With
so many captains in attendance, they told the attending
crowd easily what works and what doesn’t, including the
obvious and the not so obvious things that can make a
group succeed or fail.
During the Charity Auction, Colonel John Debnam,
MARDET HMS Invincible, and Lieutenant Commander
Steven Thum, commanding HMS Lionheart, donated $100
each to Haven House (the charity for WillyCon). Because
of their largesse, both of them secured a spot on David
Weber’s advance reader list, meaning they will receive
the first draft of every novel Mr. Weber submits at the
same time it is sent to the publisher. As much as everyone
was impressed by their good luck, Colonel Debnam also
asked the Prime Minister to sign his mint set of Tales of
2015
Honor comics (complete with all cover variants) with a
unique inscription; these will be donated to MantiCon and
auctioned off to support Big Cat Rescue.
As much as the Duke and Duchess Luetzen Vale made
our spacers feel welcome at the con, our spacers returned
the favor. Since Sharon’s birthday fell during that Saturday,
she got cake, ‘flowers, and a card signed by “all of us” at
dinner,’ Commodore John Neitz, Deputy Commander of
2nd Fleet said. Captain (SG) Cindy Jeffers, commanding
HMS Invictus, also made sure Her Grace did not return to
South Carolina empty handed. ‘Kevin and I, and the crew
of HMS Invictus, gave her a card, two ship patches, a bag
of Compass Rose Geocoins, and four assorted gourmet mini
cupcakes.’ With such a haul, Sharon couldn’t help but smile
the rest of the con.
It was Commodore Smith who phrased the Prime
Minister’s visit best. ‘In all of this wonderful chaos, David
and Sharon shared it with us and made it so much more
incredible. I have rarely in my life met two people I have
felt so accepted by so quickly. And it was all of us, every one
of us were touched by the acceptance of who we were.’
The Duke of Leutzen
Vale takes a photo
with Cadet Ranger
Lady Elizabeth
Neitz.
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
13
Quarterly Award Announcements
The following awards were issued during the second quarter of 2015.
Elevated to the Peerage
David Weber - Grand Duke Montana
Scott Akers - Duke, New Arkhanglesk
Sean Niemeyer - Duke, New Ulyanovsk
John Roberts - Earl, New Mecklenburg
Robert Bulkeley - Earl, New Essex
Elisa Randall - Countess, New Cumbria
Robert Jackson - Earl, Karstadt Sea
James Friedline,Earl, Neu Oldenwaldkries
Ivo Heger - Baron, Nový Prerov
Peter Gordon - Baron, Cumberland Moor
Greg Marchand - Baron, Tesseyman
Laura-Sophia Lüschen,
Baronin, Neu Sachsen
Laura Lochen,Baroness, Boundary Waters
Drew Drentlaw - Baron, Glencairn
Eric Flint - Baron, Leutzen Vale
Timothy Zahn - Baron, New Mimas
Tom Pope - Baron, Allegheney-Mellon
Chris Wueve - Baron, New Arlington
Tom Saidak - Steadholder, Henessey
Edward Lund
Companion - Jon Iffland
Officer
TJ Allen
Michael Cucchiarella
Roon Marchant
Member
Melyssa Smith
Zach Perkins
Rex Hood, Jr.
Zachary McCauley
Eric Nelson
Chris Thompson
Michael Timko
Elizabeth Medal
Greg Marchand Eric Schulman
Dan Brandow
Cary Conder
Brian Harris
Joseph Grieco
Christa Brolley Phillip Clayton
Steven Rosenthal Barbara Dalrymple
Emilio DeSalvo Doug Henry
Fleona Dysast’ar Chris Jacklin
Manticoran Cross
Jill McTavish
Parliamentary Medal of Valor
Ashley Nichols
Osterman Cross
Michael Garcia
Queen’s Cross for Bravery
Jacob Engstrom James Sena
Patrick McKinnion
Noble Order of the Star Kingdom
James Friedline
Most Distinguished Order of Merit
Julie Chase
Regal Order of Queen Elizabeth
Knight Commander
Elisa Randall
Timothy Bailey
Patrick Lindsley Jon Stout
Knight Companion
Michael Paquette David Weiner
Steven Firestine Jerry Johnson
Knight
Mark Polanis
Inari Bitner
Heather Selbe
Stephen Randolph
A Manticore’s Tale
Distinguished Service Order /
Cross of Courage w/ Laurel Wreath
Scott Akers
Robert Bulkeley
Robert Jackson John Neitz
Laura Lochen
Drew Drentlaw
Tom Saidak(GSN)Diane Kruse Bulkeley
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Emily Herron
Michael Cucchiarella
Kimball Williams Garret Bitker
Dan Brandow
Steven Rosenthal
Chris Thompson
14
Monarch’s Thanks
Ryan Gale
John Debnam
Paulette Kilgore Amber Witherspoon
Arthur Henecke Danielle Lyons
DeAndre McClam
Saganami Cross /
Sword’s Cross with Laurel Wreath
Ivo Heger
James Jones
Bryar Nelson
Don Hackett
Jon Stout
Mathew Parker
Chris Fells (GSN)
Distinguished Gallantry Cross
William Underhill
Order of Gallantry
Jason Gurule
Joe Hinson
Marcus Wilmes
David Cleric
Brian Horton
Daniel Brandlow
Navy Star
David Ruestle
William Helton
Shon Elliott
Gryphon Star
Benjamin RittgersRobert Buelow
Robert Folden
Michael Paquette
Joseph Grieco
Garrett Littrell
Thomas Lee
Amber Witherspoon Jessica Allen
Dale Imbleau (GSN)
Kaitlyn Kemker Clarissa Jacobwitz
Queen’s Bravery Medal
Rachel Nevins
Mitch Brokaw
Eric Sutherland Angela Sutherland
Christa Brolley Richard Johnson
Amrit Khalsa
Victor Mena
Jacob Sandoval Michael Roybal
Michele Donner-Ramsey
Conspicuous Bravery Medal
Alex Mackensie Michael Roybal
Brian Harris
Cindy Jeffers
Mentioned in Dispatches
John Husisian
Garret Bitker Brian Horton
Ramon Yvarra
Second Quarter
Jeremiah Patrick Dave McCombs
John Debnam
Lee Kolb
Shane Coble
Benjamin Smith
Michael Roybal
Ed Lund
Brianna Gilbeck
Pamela Cole
Heidi Nelson
Scott Ash
Paulette Kilgore
Anna Crowson
Jesse Oquendo
Jacob Sandoval
J. Eddy Roberts John Perkins-woeck
Stephanie Roberts
Fleet Excellence Award
HMS Rigel
Conspicuous Service Medal
Jan Cabrnoch
Melyssa Smith
Ashley Nichols
Royal Meritorious Unit Citation
HMS Interloper SMS Buddenbrock
HMS Black Rose HMS Truculent
Edward Wandall
Michael Cucchiarella
Steven Rosenthal
Prisoner of War Medal
Leah Bloodgood Jill McTavish
Scott Grandt
Kristin Grandt
Benjamin RittgersMatthew Parker
Pamela Cole
Rob Folden
Joe Cahill
William Helton
Meritorious Service Medal
Scott Taggart
Shane Coble
Leah Bloodgood
Megan Krick
Jeremy Port
William Helton Roon Marchant
Brian Harris
Pamela Cole
Colleen Henecke
Z Marie Krick
James Jones
DonnaLynn Helton
Navy Commendation Decoration
Rob Folden
Anne Crowson
Jesse Oquendo
Scarlet Travarra
Jim Vaughn
Jonathan Glenn
William Helton
Megan Schroder
J. Eddy Roberts Victor Mena
Geoff Strayer
Alayna Barnett
Benjamin Smith
Aria Travarra
Brett Price
Matthew Parker
Kay Mead
Justin Birt
Michael Cucchiarella
Brennan Theler
Ursula Day
Andrew Sivula
Ilia Minary
Anne Crowson
Jaeryn Spedden Matthew Parker
Pamela Cole
William Helton Eric Nelson
Amy Forslund
Jacob Sandoval William Knight
Jess Davis
Donnalynne Helton
Greg Eliis
Matthew Bowman
Kris Lancaster
Christina Coonradt
Jerry Johnson Houston McPherson
Michael Cucchiarella
Royal Unit Citation for Gallantry
2015
John Neitz
Brett Price
Jim Vaughn
Aria Travarra
Alice Fawcett
Zachary McCauley
Pam Cole
Cindy Jeffers
Ivo Heger
Ivo Adamek
Angela Sanders
Marcus Wilmes
Rob Folden
Masadan Occupation Medal
John Neitz
Kevin Horner
Lucas Matthys
Sonja Wolf
Garret Bitker
Matthew Lindquist
Good Conduct / Reserve Forces Medal
Robert Bulkeley
Anne Zecca
Diane Kruse Bulkeley
Space Warfare Pin
Navy/Marine Achievement Medal
HMS Barbarossa
Silesian Anti-Piracy Campaign
Melyssa Smith
John Debnam
Shane Coble
Scarlet Travarra
Paulette Kilgore
Zachariah Fraser
Steven Thum
Matthew Parker
Kevin Jeffers
Stanislav Cech
David Sanders
Ekkehard Rolfs
Jeremy Henry
Pamela Cole
Steven Thum
Ilia Minary
Mitch Brokaw
Robert Beulow Richard Johnson
Eric Sutherland Angela Sutherland
RJ Lundgren
Benjamin Rittgers
Matthew Cole
Michelle Donner-Ramsey
J. Eddy Roberts Brennan Theler
Toni Chapman Stephanie Roberts
Allison Ehni Nels Chapman
John Stuart
Elizabeth Kaas-Baas
William Helton Donnalynne Helton
Michael Garcia Shon Elliot
Scott Taggart
Joe Cahill
Victoria Young Kathy Rau
Corey Howard Gwyn Davis
Sonja Thiede Jeremy Henry
Christopher Baye, HMS Invincible
Christy Bennett Jennifer Bergk
Garret Bitker
Leah Bloodgood
Laura Cabral
Mike Cucchiarella
John Debnam
Drew Drentlaw
Rob Folden
Bob Gartner
Jessica Gazdik
Justin Grays
Harvey Guillet Don Hackett
Arthur Henecke Emily Herron
Kevin Horner
Brian Horton
Cheryl Krause
Eric Larsen
Cris Littlewolf
Peter McDonald
Jill McTavish
Christina Neitz
Geoff Strayer
Bryar Nelson
Heidi Nelson
Jeremiah Patrick
Steven Poeschl Anne Randolph
Don Reisdorph Dan Stiglich
Chris Thompson Sonja Wolf
Jody Wurl
Sherman Day
Ursula Day
Nathan Durbin
Chris Jacklin
Matt Landry
Vanessa Landry Martin Lessem
HMS Hydra
Havenite War Campaign Medal
Steven Thum
Pam Cole
Matthew Parker Cindy Jeffers
Zachariah Fraser Jon Stout
Zachary McCauley
Zach Perkins
Brett Price
RJ Lundgren Rob Folden
Havenite Operational
Service Medal
Melyssa Smith
John Debnam
Shane Coble
Scarlet Travarra
Paulette Kilgore
Kevin Jeffers
Anne Crowson
John Neitz
Brett Price
Jim Vaughn
Aria Travarra
Cindy Jeffers
Jaeryn Spedden
Matthew Parker
William Helton
Jamison Silinsky
Doug Henry
Daniel Stiglich
Karl Gallagher
M. Evan Brooks
Officers
Mathew Parker
Andrew Sivula
Ian Graham
Enlisted
Daniel Wood
Doug Staudt
Wes Rist
Lucas Matthys
Michael Timko
Richard L Johnson
The Official Newsletter of the RMN
15
Playing with Dolls
HMS Achilles heads to Treklanta
S
ometimes one wonders if the sci-fi community is a little TOO interrelated. For example, take HMS Achilles
in Third Fleet: The Captain is in the SCA, the Exec and the
Bosun are both Admirals in Starfleet International, and the
Chief Engineer used to write several Dragonriders of Pern
fanzines. So when that ship arrived at a convention named
‘Treklanta,’ held at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center
from April 24th to the 26th, none of us should be too surprised. Despite the ‘Trek’ name, the convention is open to
all Science Fiction and hosted a wide range of guests, including Jason Carter from Babylon 5, Anne Lockhart from
Battlestar Galactica, and the prolific sci-fi/fantasy author
Keith DeCandido.
Upon docking, Achilles moved into action, with Senior
Chief Petty Officer Kelly Hilliard and Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Scott Ash securing an excellent location for
their recruiting table in front of the exit from the Dealers
Room. Commander Mike Henigan stopped by to help, but
he couldn’t stay long, because he was responsible for the
Gaming Room. With the high ground seized, and the RMN
presence known, Captain (JG) Dave Weiner and Ensign
Dave McCombs arrived and began pulling in the recruits.
Scott Ash finds himself surrounded by Orion slave girls.
However, IS/2 Ash really took his rating to heart, using his personal contacts with local members of fandom to
disseminate the propaganda… er, spread the good name of
the RMN. The fact that some of those contacts were Orion
slave girls didn’t hurt. Thanks to his efforts, they were able
to draw more people over to the ship than ever before. ‘It
was an honor and pleasure to serve with you guys,’ Ash
nodded, ‘and I look forward to the next mission.’ For Ensign McCombs and Specialist Ash’s hard work, they were
Mentioned in Dispatches by their captain.
When they weren’t working the table, they enjoyed the
many treats that Treklanta had to offer. The Author Guest
of Honor, Keith DeCandido, hosted a panel discussion
about himself and all those Star Trek novels he’s written,
16
A Manticore’s Tale
Jason Carter (Marcus Cole from Babylon 5)
plays with his G’Kar and Lennier dolls.
and then walked over to the recruiting table and joined
TRMN! (Well, at least, his fiancée signed him up.) He then
went on to judge the 16th annual Miss Klingon Empire
Beauty Pageant on Saturday night. Yes, there was a Klingon Beauty Pageant - featuring the most beautiful, courageous and honorable women from the Empire, competing
in Beauty, Talent and Personality. Also Jason Carter (who
played Ranger Marcus Cole) showed up at the Babylon 5
panel. Not content to simply fall back on his Shakespearean training, he picked up the G’Kar and Lennier dolls)
and started acting out a scene to the delight of all attended.
By the end of the convention, they had pulled in eight
new souls. ‘I know how to recruit,’ Captain Weiner
preened as he polished the four diamonds on his collar.
Of course, Captain Christopher Fells, GSN, had to point
out that his technique left something to be desired. ‘It’s
free... fun... and did I mention it’s free?’ When it came to
finally tear down, this motley crew felt confident that they
had upheld the honor of the Queen, and shined among all
the other ships there. Maybe next year they can call the
convention ‘Mantlanta?’
Dave Weiner investigates the candidates for Miss Klingon Empire.
Second Quarter