My first week in Star Trek online has been a combination of a steep learning curve and an immense amount of fun. It all starts when the game loads, and you hear what I have to say is some exceptional music. Inspired with awe and eager to blow up some Klingons I set about creating my first character. I was disappointed to find that the Ferengi were not in the list of available characters (although I was to later find out that they could be purchased from the "C-Store" - Cryptic's Micro Transaction Store). I decided that I would go with my second favourite Star Trek Race - The Bajorans. I found the interface incredibly easy to use when creating the look of my character, although I have to say I found it difficult to tweak my character enough to avoid him looking very generic. I also found that the uniform options available were very "un-trek-like" in their appearance, and all seemed to resemble racing driver outfits.  That aside I headed, pre-order key in hand, into the realm of "Head-start". I was met with an awe inspiring star-base where I was lead to Admiral Quinn who told me exactly what was to be expected of me and I was handed my quests so I could begin my game. I also spoke to Commander Sulu and headed off in my little ship to explore what the alpha quadrant had to offer.

Written by Marc Farrimond

Typhon Expanse, Typhon Sector. April 17^th 2295

It had been almost seventeen minutes since life support on the USS Isis had begun to fail, the last volley from the Zinti cruiser, and most of the crew of the Excelsior class starship were already unconscious or lapsing on the brink of oblivion. The bridge had seen better days, sparking wires and ODN relays hung from almost every conduit, casting eerie shadows on the now poorly lit command deck. Oxygen and life support were almost depleted and the few officers on the bridge who were conscious found themselves unable to do a damn thing about it. Soon it would be all over and the running battle with the Zinti at an end for good.

Captain Rachel Shepherd found it getting harder to breathe with each passing moment and fought tooth and nail with every will of her being to stay awake. All around her Rachel could see that her trusted friends and colleagues were succumbing to the lack of air and she silently prayed that the end would come quickly for them. Her eyes felt heavy like lead curtains trying desperately to close and she struggled to keep them open, sleep was ebbing every closer and seemed welcoming but she knew deep down in her soul that if she slept she would never wake.

Hello Everyone.

Welcome to a slightly overdue Captain’s Log.

Well, firstly I wanted to welcome all the new members that I haven’t yet welcomed. We are now 75 strong and growing. This is thanks to the efforts of the Senior Officers, placing the cards and posters where you obviously found them. I also wanted to mention that it's really nice to see that the members are wide ranging, of all ages and a mix of both sexes (see Trek fandom definitely isn't just a Male thing!!)