For official announcements

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - 12:01 pm: Edit

Game slated to begin soon.

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Wednesday, June 07, 2023 - 09:24 am: Edit

U10start map u10_map7.gbx (224 k)

By George Fisher (Oloringrayhame) on Monday, June 12, 2023 - 09:31 pm: Edit

Hey look! I found it! (And I already don't know what a GBX file is... )

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 08:23 am: Edit

have you gone to the top of this folder and read "if interested..."

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 01:51 pm: Edit

To open the map file you need to be running Cyberboard Designer (CBDesign.exe).

Download from

https://cyberboard.brainiac.com/index.html

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Monday, June 19, 2023 - 08:54 am: Edit

Here are some basic instructions for Cyberboard. As with any software, the more time you spend working with the better you will get.



You will need to have a copy of the Cyberboard progam. If you don't have it, use this link to download it.



https://cyberboard.brainiac.com/download.html



I keep the file and programs in a folder called "Cyberboard". I keep copies of the maps from John and Mike in the appropriate Universe and game year folder on my computer.



There are two programs in the download: CBDesign.exe and DBPlay.exe.



CBDesign is used to modify the gameboards. DBPlay is used for play by email games (we only use it for making bitmap/GIF versions of the map.)



Within CBDesign go to the File dropdown menu and select "Open". This should open a browser allowing you to hunt for the file you want. The files we get from John and Mike will have a .gbx extension. These will open in CBDesign and can be edited. If the file end with something similar, change it “.gbx”.



Save the file you open as some sort of "test" file. i.e. test.gbx. At this point, start playing around with the different ways to edit the map. It is amazingly robust for a freeware program. I use it to track all of my SQs in the games. It makes writing movement and combat orders a lot more visual and easier.



For U5/7/9 I built a custom map to allow more space in each hex for adding SQ composition, sensor report, hex numbers, system details, etc. I have found that may have been a bit of overkill.



For U8, I saved one of Mike's early FED maps as a "Master" and have just been adding exploration/survey changes to it each turn. For the most part I also use the SQ markers he includes with the map to track my SQ locations. I use lines and dots (short lines) to show limits of exploration, sensor pings, etc.



For lines I typically use size 5 or smaller for sensors. Size 25 makes a very thick line.

Thanks you Kurt

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Monday, August 07, 2023 - 03:47 pm: Edit

News Flash 174.11
The largest ships in the galaxy have been deployed against the United Federation of Planets & Hydran Kingdom by the Klingon Empire. Ship designation "B10" Battleships have been used in multiple border base assaults. At least 5 Federation & 4 Hydran  bases have fallen under attack so far along with the Hydrans minor colony Magel II (D29). To date it is unclear if either the Federation or Hydrans have been able to put up any resistance against the Klingon onslaught. Hydrans now find themselves in a two-front war, a war they cannot win by themselves. 

In other related news, those high-level talks last month between the Klingons, Romulans & Tholians have yielded the inclusion of the Tholian Holdfast into the Coalition Alliance. Will the Grand Alliance somehow counter? Only time will tell.

Galactic Tribune; Atominus Gretskeele reporting.....


News Flash 174.12
Romulans have crossed the Federation border in what now looks like a well-planned 2 prong assault with the Klingon Empire. Several more Federation border bases are under attack. Meanwhile the Gorns report their Romulan border barren of Romulan war ships. 

Lyrans pour hundreds of ships into the Lyran Democratic Republic in the hopes of closing an old wound. Reports from the LDR home world seem dire. Their request for help from the Hydran Kingdom appears to have gone unanswered. A large battle for control of the LDR Home World is imminent.

On the other side of the galaxy ISC pacification forces have crossed into Flivver space and are attempting to capture Poshtara (CC66). Requests for aid have immediately gone out to the Gorn Confederation. Will they also be ignored? Only time will tell....


News Flash 174.13
The surprise attack by the Klingons into the Hydran Kingdom have tallied their first casualties. In total, the Hydrans report losing a BATS & 3xSAMs along their border along with their minor colony Magel II(D29). A single Klingon frigate was lost, it is unclear if it was Hydran phasers or Klingon disruptors at play. Some sporadic reports from the United Federation of Planets are coming in with similar results. As soon as we can decipher the carnage, we will issue a formal News Flash, stay tuned.


News Flash 174.14
Lyran Democratic Republic forces manage to stall the Lyran Star Empires invasion of their Home World "Purrsion". Reporters on seen indicate the Lyran invasion force may have had too many ships in this operation & some chaos has ensued causing the stall, others report possible diplomatic reasons. Regardless, it looks like the Lyrans have their foot over the LDR's neck. The coming weeks should prove interesting.

ISC have carried out their first Pacification on the Flivver system Poshtara (CC66). The battle was short, and some 9 ships were lost between the combatants. Diplomats have been dispatched from the Flivver Empire to garner support.

Federation losses have been tallied along the Klingon border. 4xBS & 3xBATS have been destroyed. The Federation seemed unprepared for this preemptive strike as very few naval units were in a position to engage. On the Romulan border, their forces fared much better as no bases were lost. A skirmish between a Romulan & Federation squadron occurred near a Federation BATS, but after suffering a few loses, the Romulans retreated. A Federation Star Base is under threat by a large Romulan task force, however Federation ships in the area have prevented a strike thus far.

All appears quiet in Gorn & Kzinti space. Will they engage in the war effort or leave their Federation ally to fend for themselves, only time will tell.....

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Thursday, August 31, 2023 - 05:34 pm: Edit

NEWS FLASH 174.21

The Gorn Confederation and the Helgardian Protectorate have signed a peace treaty and opened up their borders to trade. Gorn diplomats are earning their pay these days, first they convinced the Romulans that a truce was needed and now they have secured a good chunk of their northern border.

The Interstellar Concordium are the first to explore near the TWZ (Triple Wormhole Zone) claiming a hex as their own. They have also laid claim to all uninhabited systems near their borders while continuing their conquest of the Flivver Foundation. In a few years, they might rival the United Federation of Planets.

The Hydran Kingdom has launched multiple counterstrikes against the Klingon Empire. Several Klingon border bases are at risk. LDR reports the Hydrans have answered their plea and that dozens of Hydran ships have entered their space to help repel the Lyran Star Empires Armada.

Klingons report dozens of Kzinti ships have crossed their border. No reports of any combat have been confirmed at this time. Will the Klingons be able to handle a three front war? Only time will tell.......

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Monday, September 18, 2023 - 01:37 pm: Edit

NEWS FLASH 174.22

In a combined assault, Lyran Dark Star Clan & Foremost Clan have attacked and captured all LDR systems destroying their entire navy. In the north, Enemy's Blood Clan has entered Kzinti space, no combat has been reported to date.

The Romulan Star Empire has succeeded in destroying two more Federation border bases. The Federation however are reporting victory over another base as they claim they chased away several Romulan squads while destroying several Romulan Eagle class ships.

The ISC & Romulans have engaged each other over a baren rock, several ships have been lost on both sides. Will this bring the ISC into the General War? Only time will tell.

Mike Incavo

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Wednesday, November 08, 2023 - 10:11 am: Edit

Mike Incavo
Tue, Nov 7, 5:46 PM

Romulans and ISC continue to skirmish over rocks. At T62 Romulans continue to assert their dominance while at P60 Romulan fleet elements were ambushed losing 10+ ships trying to take the system from the ISC. Reports of Gorns encroaching on the ISC conquest of the Flivver Foundation have filtered in. It is unclear if the Gorns are there to help the Flivver or take their territory for themselves. Still no reports of any hostilities between the Gorn Confederation or the Romulan Star Empire.

The UFP are now battling against the Romulans, Klingons & Tholians in their southern region with no aid from the Gorn to date. Several border battles along the Klingon/Federation border have been fought, however information to date has been sketchy. The UFP continue to explore north as they claimed several hexes along the Kzinti/Qari borders.

Kzinti Hegemony reports that both the Lyrans and Klingons have annexed their space and one of their systems is under assault from Enemy's Blood Clan. Lyrans claim several of their border bases are being threatened by the Kzinti Fleet.

Meanwhile in Hydran space, Klingons have begun annexing large chunks of their space. Seems like only a matter of time before more of their systems fall under assault from both the Klingons and Lyran Empires.

Lyran lay claim to the first Wormhole hex! It has not yet been determined if they have traversed it. Reporters are on their way to determine its destination.

A Joint Venture with the SOL Broadcasting Network Brings You The Following.

NEWS FLASH from SOL BROADCASTING NETWORK ....

Doctor Noonian Soong is on the Run, missing just weeks after his breakthrough project of developing the first prototype sentient Positronic Brain at Terra R&D Star Base 001.

We interview Chief Scientist Dr. Maxwell Henrick at Star Base 001, "What happened concerning Dr. Noonian Soong, and his breakthrough Positronic Brain Project?"
Dr. Henrick informed us, "Dr. Soong is our Lead Scientist in Cybernetics and AI programming. Where a few weeks ago presented his Positronic Brain Project to the Scientific Board here at the Star Base, labeling it as the first step to creating sentient Androids to the betterment of all Humankind. Giving Humankind servants in every household, workers in hostile worlds, and elite soldiers for the military. The Board members mentioned it sounds like creating a slave race, but these Androids are ten times stronger, one hundred times more intelligent, and has at least a battery life of 10 years without needing recharging. We told Dr. Soong we as Scientists have a moral commitment to limit or even ban research projects which could lead to Humankind's downfall or extinction."

The Science Board gave Dr. Noonian Soon examples of the first Atomic Bomb, splitting atoms to bring Peace and End World War II... The Project to End All World Wars on Earth.
We all know what happened there, we almost wiped out all Humankind on Earth in the Nuclear Holocaust of World War III. So Science turned another direction, in fact it was Dr. Soong's great grandfather, Dr. Arik Soong who instead of spitting atoms, started splitting human genes to create the next generation of Humans. Humans who are stronger, more intelligent, and healthier than us. A leap forward you can say down the Evolution of Humankind. Where did this lead us? Again fighting for our survival in the Eugenics War battling against our own creation the Augments who wanted to Rule & Enslave all Humankind.

I was the voice that spoke against creation of Sentient Androids at the Science Board meeting. "Didn't Science learn playing God with the Augments leads only to destruction. These Androids are products of their programming, and one step away deciding Humans are not needed anymore!! It will be another Civil War all over again, Machine vs. Master, but will we avoid extinction or will machines rise out of the ashes!?!" The Board took a vote, and it was decided Dr. Soong's Sentient Android project was to Cease and Destroy all research materials, data, and destruction of the prototype Positronic Brain. Like with the previous projects, Banning Nuclear weapons, and tampering with Genetic experimentations, we Issued a Ban on any further research project on sentient Androids or even sentient AI programs. Then two days ago, Dr. Noonian Soong took all research data on his sentient Android project, along with this prototype Positronic Brain with him, and fled the system. We have man hunt for Dr. Soong, and we will find him. His project is too dangerous, and he needs to be stopped from developing it at all costs. No system will be safe for him to develop his sentient Androids, he will be found, and stopped... That I Promise.

Statement from Chief Scientist Maxwell Henrick from the R&D Terra Star Base 001!


END TRANSMISSION

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Thursday, January 04, 2024 - 04:04 pm: Edit

Mike Incavo
Tue, Jan 2, 3:17 PM

Gorns invade the Interstellar Concordium!!! A large Gorn task force has pulled into the Pashtara system. ISC forces report they have been able to keep their Merchant shipping lanes open to date. Both fleets have kept their distance preventing an all-out war. Gorn forces have also annexed the ISC hex at EE66 while the ISC are reporting an additional large Gorn task force threatening their Ghandi system. Meanwhile a battle has been engaged between the ISC & Romulan forces over the D'Cl'Vangram system which the Romulans captured about a year ago. Romulan & Gorn forces continue to ignore each other along their border.

Klingon & Lyrans have launched a full scale invasion of Kzinti space with several systems under attack or under blockade. Lyrans report the Kzinti have the Bloody Claw system under blockade with several Lyran hexes being annexed as well. Hydrans report elements of the Klingon navy are cobbling up their southeastern region while the Lyrans have applied constant pressure along their border. Another Hydran border base is also under siege.

A SUPRISE story is that the Qari Expanse report a large invasion along their southern border with multiple hexes being sensor jammed by an unknown entity. They report losing contact with several border bases and dozens of ships. However, elements of the United Federation of Planets have entered their Colony II system with hostile intent. They are reporting turning back several Federation combat squads in that region.

From a partner station in SOL the following report has been broadcast. All information has not been substantiated nor does the entity that produces the "News Flash" confirm its authenticity.

NEWS FLASH from SOL BROADCASTING NETWORK ....

Live from Reporter Jimmy Fox... The Manhunt for Doctor Noonian Soong continues on Qari Colony SS60.

After weeks of no leads on how Dr. Soong escaped from being detected, a Frax smuggler came forward saying he was contacted to book passage for one human male to go to Qari Base Station RR49. This same smuggler, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted Federation Authorities after seeing a wanted posting for Dr. Noonian Soong, the same man who he transported to RR49. After a week investigation, Section 31 uncovered it was the Qari who paid the Frax smuggler to transport one male human from Federation Colony NN47 to Qari Base Station RR49.

Captain Franklin Jones was dispatched to RR49 to investigate where Dr. Soong has went. Unfortunately there was misunderstanding, after boarding the Base Station, a fight broke out and it didn't go well for the Qari. Although the boarding parties did find the records from the Qari computers that Dr. Soong continued on to Base Station RR52. Upon arriving at RR52, Qari Base was uncooperative and Captain Jones had to forcefully extract the records. Doctor Soong was sent to Qari Colony SS60 to hide and continue his research project for the Qari Government.

Captain Jones contacted Captain Robert Taff who was in the area of RR61 if he could make contact with Qari Colony SS60 to continue search for Dr. Soong. It's unknown how fares the search, no word has been sent back from Captain Taff's Task Force after first contact with the Qari on SS60 was made.

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Monday, May 13, 2024 - 01:27 pm: Edit

Mike Incavo

News Flash 176.11

United Federation of Planets have begun an unprecedented operation against the Qari Expanse. With out provocation it seems the Federation has launched a single prong attack directed solely at the Qari Home World of Qaris. Reports from Qari space say that the Federation task force under the cloak of hundreds of special sensors entered Qari space last turn disabling several border bases and then continued on to Qaris. Qari command has stated that they will successfully defend their Home World and then will bring the fight to the Federation. A smaller task force operating in the east regions of the Expanse have assembled and are attacking the Qari colony of Colony II. The battle for Qaris should prove to be a bloody affair for both sides.

Gorn Confederation continue offensive maneuvers against the peace seeking Interstellar Concordium. One system is under attack while a second is being threatened. The Helgardian Protectorate seems to be joining in as rumors of a far north colony of the ISC has been captured. Romulans reinforcements have arrived at the D'CI'Vangram colony (T62), this system appears to be under blockade in preparation to another major assault. It is still unclear what the ISC have done to encourage such a vicious three front attack. Will they be able to stave off the assault and retain their sovereignty, only time will tell.

Klingons & Romulans continue to skirmish with the United Federation of Planets all along their lines. For now, it appears the Romulans are in full retreat while the Klingons continue to try and make gains. One wonders how the Klingons and Romulans would be fairing if not for the Qari invasion.....

Compete chaos along the Lyran & Kzinti borders as it becomes more difficult each day to determine where the border actual is. The Kzinti appear to have captured a Lyran system while the Lyrans are in the midst of capturing their second Kzinti system. Supply issues on both sides have been reported which could slow the conflict a bit. Klingons continue to attack Kzinti assets with several systems under threat. It is clear that the Kzinti will need a lot of help from their allies, however with the Federation operations in Qari space and the Gorn aggression against the ISC, where will this support come from? Only time will tell.

Hydrans report more skirmishes along the Lyran border and Klingons staging for attacks against several of their border systems. Their merchants are also reporting loses as a shift in tactics appears to have occurred. Hydrans with no known allies are fighting a war of attrition with two larger empires. Time is not on their side.

Only 3 empires in the galaxy have managed to stay out of this general war thus far. This reporter thinks it is only a matter of time before the war spills over to all parts of the galaxy. Or perhaps their allegiances have already been given and operations against perceived foes are already in action. Only time will tell.

We are sharing news from an unconfirmed and non-aligned source from Sol.


NEWS FLASH from SOL BROADCASTING NETWORK ....

Live from Reporter Jimmy Fox... The Flight of Doctor Noonian Soong from Qari Colony SS60.

I have Captain Robert Taff on screen... [Jimmy] Tell us Captain, what is happening on Colony SS60? [Cpt. Taff] A small Strike Force landed undetected on the Qari Colony, located Doctor Noonian Soong in the Central Control Tower of the Colony, and moved in to make a snatch & extract maneuver. What Sgt Kane of Echo One came up against was unlike anything his Strike Team has ever encountered before. Mechanical Sentry Bots, armed with phasers, and tough as nails to bring down. They punched through Echo One's perimeter with Dr Soong flanked by three of those Sentry Bots!! It was a running firefight to the Starport, with the last Sentry Bot left, it held back Echo One long enough for Dr. Soong to board a shuttle to make it off planet. In orbit, a Qari Defense squadron blocked pursuing ships, to see the shuttle board a Qari vessel, and warp away. No doubt heading to the Qari Core Worlds now.

Later at a Press Release, Admiral Sturnbach is just now addressing the Milkyway Reporters... [Admiral] All of you have seen Jimmy Fox's report from Qari Colony SS60. The failed attempt to peacefully exact Doctor Noonian Soong from Qari Authorities. This situation can no longer be handled covertly, with the Qari military aiding Dr. Soong's escape, and he is now under their protection. The Federation Council has given me the Authority to use whatever means necessary to go into Qari space & systems to apprehend Doctor Noonian Soong. .I will lead this Operation to Neutralize Hostile Military forces, secure Uncooperative Systems, and Apprehend & Extract the Traitorous Doctor from the Qari Authorities. I will be leaving in the hour. No further comments.

Galactic Tribune; Atominus Gretskeele Greporting.....

Mike Incavo

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

By Bill Phillips (Praetor) on Wednesday, July 03, 2024 - 11:15 am: Edit

U10 News Flash 176.21

The General War Rages On....

Kzinti with almost no support from allies are slowly being crushed while being forced to fight a two-front war against the Klingons and Lyrans. Three Kzinti systems have fallen with several others under threat. The Hegemony continues fearsome counter attacks, but with no help in sight we may be witnessing the end of a great Feline Race...

Hydrans are facing a similar situation. With no allies to count on they too are fighting from two fronts and it appears a third may soon open up as the Borak have officially joined the Coalition. Several Hydran systems are under attack while Lyran Dark Star & Foremost Clans have moved large fleets into position to strike several more Hydran systems.

In a continuing surprise, it has been 100% confirmed, the United Federation of Planets is right now conducting a major operation against the Qari Expanse. Some 200 Federation War Ships are at Qaris, the Qari Home World and they are not there on a diplomatic mission..... More to come as it becomes safer for our reporters to venture closer to the action.

The Interstellar Concordium reports large waves of Gorn ships invading their territories with at least one system falling under siege. While the Gorn continue to advance, it appears that the ISC have stymied the Romulans invasion as reports of a full scale Romulan withdrawal has been seen across their border. Has the confusing Romulan/Gorn pact been ended? Or have the ISC simply out maneuvered the Romulans thus far? Only time will tell.....

The Frax Republic & Triaxian Conclave appear to be the only undeclared Empires left. It is only a matter of time before they will be forced or coerced into the fray.

Half the worm holes have been claimed but to our knowledge no one has the technology or the guts to use them. DO they lead to another galaxy, dimension or simply to each other. Will using them invite destruction to the galaxy or might they be used to help bring peace. Only time will tell.....

As usual, a non-associated entity from Sol has requested this be shared with the galaxy.


NEWS FLASH from SOL BROADCASTING NETWORK ....


Live from Combat Reporter Jimmy Fox... The Search of Doctor Noonian Soong from Qari Homeworld.


This is Jimmy Fox on Qari Homeworld... The carnage of ships orbiting around VV52 is unbelievable, words can't express the feelings I am seeing. The Invasion on the ground has met stiff resistance but Admiral Sturnbach has informed me the Central AI Complex has been secured, but no sign of Doctor Soong. The planet is in Federation control, but the war and search for Doctor Noonian Soong has just begun.

My question is, who are the Qari? I see No Living Biological beings on the planet. It's a completely mechanized world, droids are seen doing maintenance on damaged buildings. It's a civilization of a singular purpose. No individuality, no freedom of expression, no free will or choice. An existence for one purpose. Was this the reason the Qari wanted Doctor Soong's Sentient Positronic Brain prototype, their AI wanted to evolve to the next level, to become sentient?? Who were the original creators of this AI civilization? Did some catastrophic disaster wipe out all life? Did the AI droids revolt and kill all lifeforms in some civil war? More questions than answers right now. I will continue to search for the Truth behind what was purpose behind the Qari's plot with aiding Doctor Soong and who are these mechanized AI constructs in this civilization?


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Mike Incavo

By John D Berg (Kerg) on Tuesday, December 03, 2024 - 06:25 pm: Edit

A Romualan position is available, contact GM Mike Incavo. incavo@sbcglobal.net