quote:

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All I have to say on the matter is the oficial line: "If A leads to B...& B leads to C...." Er, I mean "There is no new technology."

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No, I believe you mean there is no new technology.

In that case, I'll forego the Intrepid and two Defiants... Though come to think of it, I'll trade one of my three Sabers for a Defiant That gives me the following:

* 1 Akira
* 2 Novas
* 2 Sabers
* 1 Defiant
* 1 Miranda or Norway
* 1 Istanbul
* 1 Peregrine squadron

One more question... are any of the Zemch-reserved planets habitable?

Also, any word on the disposition of the Runnymede, or will that come with the next question?

Map still forthcoming...
 

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Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Yes, they're habitable...which is part of why they've been reserved. (read Prime Directive for trusteeship issues)

"Disposition?"
 

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Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
 
Here goes...

Q1a

Starfleet�s priorities regarding neutral systems and societies generally begin with providing for continued neutrality. On that note, my task is to intercept and deter undue outside influences, a policy that (wholly incidentally) gives me dibs to any cultural meddling I choose to sanction.

My operations will have to begin with classic sector control, involving at least three starships and other assets on monitoring duty and defensive readiness, plus their support forces. Second in priority order will be interaction with the Dorzans, at first limited to rudimentary diplomatic contact and casual intel work. Third comes dealing with the flowers and bees on Semma, an issue for which I have a period-specific approach in mind. Fourth will be the detailed charting of all sector features, in tried and true Starfleet methodology.

Q1b

Sector control begins with three first-rate starships, of which two are in active duty at any given time. For the sake of possible future intrigue, I assume I mainly get postwar scraps:

USS Robuste (NCC-14677), Excelsior class
USS Elent�ri (NCC-21321), Hokule�a class
USS Achilles (NCC-12532), Apollo class

My support forces are slightly more modern. I have two "troubleshooter" lightweights, and one former planetary assault ship that has been reconfigured for tender, depot and repair duties. These vessels generally reside at the starbase:

USS Balmoran (NCC-78212), Sabre class
USS Katana (NCC-79479), Sabre class
USS Veracruz (NCC-54911), Steamrunner class

Although rather lightly armed overall, the Veracruz still embarks a company of ground troops, their vehicles stashed in one corner of her vast holds. At a moment's notice, she can take aboard and arm the usual troop strength, a reinforced batallion - although these troops won't be quite as experienced as the shipboard regulars.

For my survey needs, I deploy a versatile if small science vessel:

USS Humason (NCC-81303), Nova class

Q1c

The Dorzan question, while of secondary import, warrants a special liaison. It�s not as if Captain Henschel would majorly contribute to my primary efforts with her antique tin can (but don�t tell her I said so); off to Dorza she goes, with the mission of establishing a working UFP consulate there. Starfleet�s young promises coming this way get channeled to her staff. Work on the consulate should also provide an excuse for near-constant starship presence, with my big cruisers helping to haul the furniture.

In the meantime, I intend to learn about the neighborhood faster than the Dorzans can. My Sabres will begin with charting out the Zemch reservate, and deploying a dense yet covert sensor network there. At the same time, my science vessel will launch Operation Not Really Here: a diplomatic mission to Semma consisting solely of holographic envoys. They will provide full transparency, both figurative and literal, acting on Semman terms and avoiding any physical interference with the world. They have the mandate to improvise, to flexibly assume new forms and practices as befits the Semman situation. Their goal is to intermingle with the society along a path of least resistance.

As my forces arrive, one of the cruisers and the depot ship will initially remain at the starbase; others will deploy as described above, with one cruiser on patrol in the upper right areas of the sector, and with the Runnymede in Dorzan orbit.

Timo Saloniemi
 

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Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Shik:
"Disposition?"

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Sorry, I mean the possibility of trading in the obsolete Miranda for some newer equivalent, either a Norway or an Intrepid. I mean, after their pathetic showing in the Dominion War, they're ready to be pulled off front line duties anyway, right? Plus, having a NEWER ship like an Intrepid would make more of a favorable impression on the Dorzans, right?
 

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Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
You can always try, I suppose...
 

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Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
ADVANCE WARNING
Question Two posts on Saturday. Planning on playing? Might want to get in now....not that you can't join up later, that is.
 

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Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
 
The Dorza Sector is a gold mine for an Advancement-minded Admiral looking to get those extra pips.

Q1a:
Priorities:
First Priority � Engage in Classification and Colonization of uninhabited Class-M and other habitable worlds throughout the sector. Expanding Federation interests and control in the region; as well as serving the dual role of containing the Dorza to their star system in hopes of �encouraging� social reform.
Second Priority � Contact with Seema and Zznjlii, brokering an amicable research exchange and Trustee status position within the Federation.
Third Priority � Protect Zemch from �Prime Directive� violations. (i.e. Gorn, Klingons, or Dorza influences)
Fourth Priority � Continue to foster Dorza/Federation friendship and continue to move them towards Federation Membership.

Intelligence needs:
1. Dorza intentions outside their star system (i.e. colonization, exploration, conquest)
2. Seema & Zznjlii intentions outside their star system (i.e. colonization, exploration, conquest)
3. Federation friendly groups or Pro-Age groups inside Dorza�s political and social systems (Ascertaining the likelihood of reform happening in the near future and how best to support such reform)

Q1b:
Ship Request:
1 � Excelsior Class ~ A strong military and cultural presence in the sector.
3 � New Orleans or Apollo or Miranda Class ~ (Any combination of these three � most likely one New Orleans and two Miranda�s) Older ships, but still packing more than enough punch for this system. Used as reinforcements for the Excelsior, �Flying the Flag�, and patrols.
4 � Nova Class ~ Science and Intel gathering missions throughout the sector.
4 � Colony Ships/Transports ~ For colonization of worlds, deploying as needed once worlds are deemed colonizable by the Nova�s. Used to transport supplies and goods when not used for colonization purposes.

Q1c:
While encouraging the Dorza to enter into Membership with the Federation is a long-term goal, this peaceful mission should not be done at the cost the whole sector. The Dorza must not be allowed to move far beyond their system and lay claim to worlds, to be allowed to do so would only foster the obstinacy they�ve already shown by refusing to adopt full-fledge democracy. Elements within Dorza, sympathetic to Pro-Aging ideals need to be found out and entered into closed communications. Fostering and encouraging their development so one day Membership can be granted to the Dorza people, but also using their power to check Dorza expansion efforts.
 

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Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
 
Priorities:
1. The Dorzans seem to be the most active figures in this sector, so they are where the focus of diplomatic and intelligence gathering efforts will be. Some particularly important questions for intelligance are (in rough order of importance):
a. Are the Dorzans planning any military operations? This question might be easily answerable simply by examining readily available information on their fleet and logistical capabilities.
b. Are the Dorzans planning to contact other species? It would be advisable especially to have early warning if they want to visit the Zemch, as it could then be prevented more easily. If the Dorzans contact the Sh'sh'l/Zznjlii, we could mediate, and otherwise try to insure friendly relations between them.
c. Are the Dorzans planning any colonization operations? One must be particularly concerned about colonization of the Zemch reservations.
d. Exactly what is the political situation with regards to the populace over 40? Is there any consideration of granting them suffrage?

2. The second priority is ensuring good diplomatic relations with the Sh'sh'l/Zznjlii. As a start, perhaps they would be willing to talk via subspace, or even have some of them visit one of our starships or starbases. An important thing to find out is exactly the nature of the botanists desecration of the holy site. Particularly, is there anything that can be done to atone for this error?

The final two priorities should not compete with the first two (in that resources for them will not be needed in #1 and #2).

3. Set up a sensor network in the Zemch area, and drones asking starships to leave. To add some weight to the Federation�s �claim� to this area, a few very basic installations on the planets of interest can be constructed.

4. The planets in the other unclaimed stars should be investigated for mining and particularly colonization efforts. Preliminary data-collection can be conducted, but there is no need to start actual colonization yet. I want to wait to see what results the intelligence-gathering operations are. It might be useful to direct the Dorzans to some of these unclaimed areas if it looks like they might want to go after the Zemch area.


Starships:
To carry out these tasks, only a handful of starships are required:
1. For the flagship, an Excelsior class ship would probably be best. There is no need for the refit version with ablative armor. Let�s call the flagship the Marne .
2. If this starbase is a major hub, it should probably have some mobile firepower for defensive purposes, even if this is a peaceful sector. If the starbase if one of the huge �tower� starbases, a Defiant class ship would be suitable. If it is a medium-sized starbase, a squadron of four Perigrines would be sufficient. Actually, in either case, a Defiant that has been on patrol for too long could be used if avalible, as this job would be static defense, with time for repair/refit...
3. Runnymede�s task will be to continue diplomatic relations with the Dorzans and gather intelligence. If it needs more equipment to get intelligence, the Marne can make a visit to replace it (there should always be a starship at Dorza).
4. A Sabre class starship will patrol the Zemch reservation, spending nearly all its time at the Zemch home system. If it can bring the material to set up the Zemch sensor network, that�s fine. Otherwise, any ship passing near the area can be temporarily diverted.
5. An Oberth class vessel will begin to investigate the unclaimed star systems in a standard survey. It can be assisted by runabouts from the starbase.
6. A Nova class starship will also survey the unclaimed areas, but it will focus on the area near the Dorzans, perhaps dropping by occasionally to say �hello� and use its advanced sensors a bit.
7. A runabout will carry the diplomats for the mission to the Sh'sh'l/Zznjlii. If they accept contact but won�t allow visiters, and additional Miranda will be brought in to facilitate relations. Otherwise, the diplomats can just converse or beam down, being very careful. The Marne will occasionally pop by to assist.
8. An Istanbul or other colony ship should be in the general area, so they can be called in for colonization purposes if deemed appropriate.

In response to Admiral Ong�s note, the intelligence gathering operations should be sufficient to alert the Federation if the Dorzans are planning anything �dangerous�, and they are quite close to the starbase, so are easy to keep an eye on while remaining friendly. However, as a special request to Starfleet, I would like to have the captain of either the Marne , the Nova , or the starbase be someone whose age would be considered past the Dorzans limit, but who retains many �youth-like� qualities. Perhaps the captain would even be mistaken for a younger person on Dorzan. At any rate, strong diplomacy to convince the Dorzans that age discrimination is wrong probably isn�t a good idea, and may even backfire (they need to learn this themselves, with us providing information if they want). However, it would be possible, especially with this captain, to show examples of how older people can be the same as younger people in every way, thus making an arbitrary age limit nonsense. This captain could serve as a rallying point for groups of Dorzan that support this concept. Even if practically no Dorzan support this, the captain could still be an example for them, perhaps being the catalyst for opening the debate.
 

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Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
 
1) Priorities :
a) Maintain peaceful relations with the sentient species of the area.
b) Maintain the security of Federation allies.
c) Expand on Starfleet�s scientific and cultural knowledge of the sector and its civilisations.
d) Assess the military and technological capabilities of the warp capable civilisations.
e) Assess the Dorzan system of government; is there any physiological or psychological reason for the exclusion of those over 40?

2) Ships

1x Excelsior Mk III class heavy cruiser (Ent-B type). Flagship. Doesn�t take anything away from the long range exploration missions, has sufficient punch to take on anything Starfleet�s likely to encounter. Has decent diplomatic accommodation/facilities for hosting talks.

2x Nova class surveyors. Scientific missions to the various systems in the sector, particularly Semma IV and the Zemch

1x New Orleans class heavy frigate
2x Sabre class strike frigates. Patrol and support forces. New Orleans class provides reserve diplomatic capability in case a crisis emerges on both contacted planets.

1x Istanbul class transport. Cargo and support duties.

1x Orkney class corvette. Assigned to SB 403 for local defence

3) Sounds like Rear Admiral Ong was a bit of a grumpy old man! Still, it wouldn�t hurt to have embassy staff look into this (discreetly, of course), whilst attempting to negotiate the age issue. I�d also have my ships keep an eye on the activities of any Dorzan ships they happen to come across. I�d also have my staff run up a complete analysis of the Dorzan political culture, based on their mass media and the proclamations and actions of their government. If they�ve been getting on well with Captain Henschel then I�d take advantage of my new ships to assign her and the Runnymead to liaison and negotiation duties for much of the time.

I�d also have my patrol and scientific ships set up a drone sensor network in the Zemch systems at first and then expanding to others.

I�d try and set up some kind of scientific arrangement with Semma IV. Perhaps simply requesting any scientific data they�d be willing to give us would help to break the ice? No physical contact, just data. A reciprocal exchange of information might be a good idea, to help persuade them the Federation can be trusted. Are there any Federation member species with a similar appearance/culture? If so it may be a good idea to have one as a liason.
 

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Posted by Mark Nguyen (Member # 469) on :
 
These are awesome replies. Might I suggest that respondents link to, or describe, details of the lesser-known starships they may be using? Everyone will know about Galaxies and Intrepids, and to a lesser extent New Orleanses and Instanbuls... But full-fan ships can be wholly unknown even in this egghead community. For example, I don't have a clue what an Orkney-class corvette is. And of course, due to the innumerable fan debates over the ACTUAL purpose and capabilities of a given ship, it's more important to properly JUSTIFY your selection of it in your overall scheme. If for example you think the Nova class has incredible sensors that surpass, say, the Intrepid, then there should be a reason for it to be assigned as such.

Mark
 

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Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
 
=== Q1a ===
- I want a full report on the reason why contact with the Semmans was lost. And a full report on any efforts to re-establish contact.

- Similarly, have the Semmans made contact with any other civilizations? Gorn, Klingons, Dorzans?

- What is the status of Federation membership for Dorza? Are there any other concerns beside the age discrimination?

- What are the Gorn's interests in this sector. ((Assuming the Gorn are a bit more than just a nuisance, and are at least slightly mischievous)).

In short, the priorities as I see them (at this moment):

1) Analyze the current status of Dorza, and lay foundations for a 'road map to membership' (ie, build some trust with them)

2) Read up on history with the Semmans. Any real further attempts at contact would probably only be performed under authority of the Science Council. Also, I will not send any vessels into the Semman system until I know the inhabitants won't take offense.

3) Protect the 'neutrality' of the sector, especially Zemch and their 'reserved' worlds.

4) Analyze threats and influences from forces outside the Sector. Specifically the Gorn, possibly the Klingons.

=== Q1b ===

Twelve ships. That's a lot, but hey, I'm not complaining. Still, I assume I get mostly 'old' ships.

I'm keeping the Runnymede, and add a heavy cruiser and 3 light cruisers, supported by an escort unit. Two science vessels and two runabouts make up the rest of the numbers. The light cruisers are the roamers and troubleshooters.

1) USS Ajax, Apollo-class heavy cruiser.
My flagship. Ajax does not have any mission module installed, but is my base of operations. Limited roaming, only used on diplomatic tours or big battle (but I'm assuming that won't be necessary).
2) USS Runnymede.
This vessel spends most of it's time in the Dorzan system. Her captain is still one of the most important SF liaisons. But it really is not much more than a warp-capable pressurized piece of junk.
3) USS Saladin, Sabre-class light cruiser.
More geared towards battle than the other two light cruisers.
3) USS Scylax, Sequoia-class light cruiser.
The newest vessel in my fleet. Scylax is quite independent, and is the perfect roaming explorer. Sent out to the purple worlds, or other interesting places.
4) USS Mariner, Challenger-class light cruiser.
The oldest light cruiser in my fleet, but still a very speedy vessel. Limited scientific capabilities, though. Initial orders are observing Zemch.
5, 6, 7) A destroyer/escort unit of 3 Defiant-like vessels.
Eyes and ears of Starbase, and generally the first responders to threats.
9&10) Nova-sized science vessels.
11&12) Runabouts.

=== Q1c ===
Obviously, this is part of the analysis of the current status of Dorza, and of the Semman contact issue, but I'm not going to act yet on the judgment of a grumpy old Admiral.

=== Notes ===
The Apollo class is a 'Nebula-ized Ambassador' (except Ajax doesn't have that sensor platform at the moment), and can be seen under 'Apollo (3)' on ASDB. Sequoia is also as seen on ASDB.
 

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Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
(Man..airbody be hatin' on the Miranda-class now. They're perfect little second-line patrol ships. Ah, well...)

Thank you, Marcus Nguyenus Alberticus, for your notation on non-canon vessls. I knew I'd forgotten something.

To answer some questions:

• Are the Dorzans planning to contact other species? Bajor, Bajor, Bajor. Bajor is your watchword. Imagine Bajor as a pediocracy instead of a theocratic democracy. And, y'know...populated by humanods who seem to mature faster than Klingons.
  
• Are the Dorzans planning any colonization operations? At the moment, they have no interstellar colonies of their own. They have an deepsea colony on the O-class 4th world, domed colonies on the class-K 6th planet & moon of the 8th, & plans for a colony on one of the class-L moons of the 7th.
  
• Exactly what is the political situation with regards to the populace over 40? Y'know how at Thanksgiving, everyone listens to Grandpa rant on & on, pretends to pay attention to him, but you really just ignore him? Yeah. That, but on a planetary level.
  
• I want a full report on the reason why contact with the Semmans was lost. "AAAAHHHHHHH!! WHAT DID YOU DO?!?! YOU HAVE TO GO. YOU HAVE TO GO RIGHT NOW." Later attempts to contact have beenvery politely rebuffed: "Thank you, no, we're fine. Yes, we know you're there. That's nice. Yes, we'll call if we need anything. G'bye, Mom."
  
• Similarly, have the Semmans made contact with any other civilizations? Gorn, Klingons, Dorzans? Not to any one's knowledge. It's like they got warp-capable, looked around, said, "...Huh. What's on TV?" & went home. For...y'know...120 years.
  
• What is the status of Federation membership for Dorza? Are there any other concerns beside the age discrimination? Again, Bajor pre-admittance. No concerns except the unnecessary lack of equal rights.
   

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  Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
   
  I'm wondering if the Federation would be willing to take a softer line with the Dorzans. Perhaps allowing them to continue their current form of goverment, but achieve membership in a limited form if a majority of the people from Dorzan's minimun voting age to the Federations's maximum voting age vote to join the Federation.
  The Dorzans strike me as people who like challenges and giving them this oppertunity might shift their focus from thier neighbors to themselves. Plus if they do join, the Federation would be better able to hold any expansions in check.
   

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  Posted by HerbShrump (Member # 1230) on :
   
  Bajor, at the time of DS9 season 4 was a politically divided planet with minor expansionsit leanings.
  
  They had just emerged from roughly six decades of occupation by a superior neighbor.
  
  As a result of this occupation, Bajor (prime) was plundered. Bajorans turned to the other planets and moons in hopes of rebuilding the systems infrastructure, producing the necessary power and food to support the populace.
  
  Further, Bajor was making great strides, before the war, to make sure a devastating occupation never happened again, including establishing colonies in other star systems (well, another quadrant, for that matter).
  
  Additionally, they had just emerged from a near civil-war a year or two earlier that threatened to tear the planet apart politically. To further complicate matters the populace just suffered the loss of their spiritual leader and the new Kai was rather power hungry.
  
  In case you're wondering, all these factors were there without any interference from the Founders and would have been there regardless of the wormhole (except New Bajor would have been in the AQ)
   

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  Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
   
  I just learned that the Marne is actually already a name for a ship constructed after the Excelsior class, so I will change my flagship to the Renaissance class USS Hornet NCC-45231 (refit version). I found that one at the ASDB. Congratulations to whoever made that one. That ship has alot of pluck.
  
  Also, I would offer to send a group of Dorzan ambassadors to contact some other species (so they don't try to mess with the races in this sector), perhaps on the ship passing through to drop off the Zemch sensor network.
   

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  Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
   
  OK, then...Bajor minus all the bad shit. Tch.
   

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  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  (Dammit, I lost my first post because the default generic browser on the computer I was using didn't save my entry when I typed in the wrong password and had to backtrack. One of many reasons why I love OmniWeb so much.)
  
  

  quote:

  ---

  Originally posted by Shik:
  (Man..airbody be hatin' on the Miranda-class now. They're perfect little second-line patrol ships. Ah, well...)

  ---

  To that, I respond with this. In the late-TNG and DS9 era, the Miranda is cannon fodder. Even in TNG's run, we never saw the Miranda used for much more than basic patrol, or because numbers were needed and they wanted every ship, and often it was just a cargo transport. Remember that several of them had a crew of only TWENTY TO THIRTY. Do you really think that makes for a good patrol vessel for a sector way out on the frontier?
  
  Ship commentary:
  
  * I view the Akira more as a standard heavy cruiser with a larger-than-normal aft shuttlebay. It's not some fanboy's wet dream with fifteen torpedo launchers and a through-deck hangar. It'll support carrying maybe six or eight of my Peregrines in a pinch, but it's not a dedicated fleet carrier.
  
  * The Saber is a good light cruiser � a bit more oriented towards combat, but with good cargo capability in the aft section and decent sensors for both patrol and exploration missions. It's what the Miranda used to be, fifty years ago.
  
  * What can you say about the Defiant that hasn't already been said? I want a ship that's good at kicking the shit out of any bad guys that come along. It fits the bill perfectly.
  
  * The Nova, being the first "true" successor to the venerable but ancient Oberth, is a short-range, long-duration surveyor. It's designed to got out to a certain area and spend lots of time there with its high-power sensors. Plus it's got the "waverider" for more in-depth planetary surveys.
  
  * The Istanbul is one of Starfleet's "jack of all trade" logistics ships. It's perfect for moving massive amounts of material, people, cargo, or whatever. It was used to great effect as a troop transport during the Dominion War. My Istanbul came in handy back in Sector Beta, acting as an orbiting relief supply depot when those bastard Driians lobbed some plasma cannon bolts at the Ulian surface.
  
  * The Intrepid makes for a great frigate-sized vessel, outfitted for all kinds of troubleshooting. It can host decent-sized diplomatic functions, is quite scrappy when it comes to combat, has excellent scientific facilities for in-depth research, and has a very fast engine for getting out to where the trouble is. This would be my new choice to replace the aging Runnymede. (Hey, a NEW ship would impress the Dorzans, right?)
  
  Revisions to strategy:
  
  * Considering that the Zemch trusteeship systems are habitable, I now should dedicate one of my Sabers to constant patrol of the small cluster. You never know if someone � like the Dorzans � might get it into their heads to colonize a nearby system, regardless of who it's reserved for. Plus, I've got this sneaking suspicion that they might get it into their heads to make some premature First Contact with the Zemch, in order to hasten along what they would see as "advancement" that would benefit their culture. Therefore, a network of sensor drones will be deployed in the region for discrete monitoring of the area.
  
  * The Dorzans have every right to colonize planets just like the Federation and the Zemch. I'll propose the creation of a jointly-established colony on one of the non-reserved stars closest to Dorza; this will get the Dorzans interested because of the possibility of expansion and exploration, but also will get them more used to cooperating and living with the Federation. Hopefully they can assimilate some more tolerance for the "aged."
  
  * Concerning the Semmans, I revise my policy and have decided to back off. I'll open with a brief greeting to them, tell them to call if they need anything, say we'd love to get to know them. But if it's been that long since First Contact, I'm sure that my predecessors in this sector have tried contact missions of their own. So I'll let them be. I expect they'll just hit the snooze button again. I'll try a few discreet undercover surveys, but nothing more than long-range sensor sweeps and stealth probes. Just enough to get a feel for a bit more of their culture, technology, capabilities, and ambitions. Maybe a few comm monitor drones, too. But nothing that might piss them off if they realize we're eavesdropping.
   

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  Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
   
  Oh, ablative Mirandas...
  
  Yeah, uh....I didn't feel like waiting until Saturday, partially because I might not be computer-accessible then. So!
  
  QUESTION TWO (five parts)
  
  1) OBJECTIVELY CRITIQUE one of the other answers to Question One. Yes, it has to be someone else's; no doing your own. Point out what you believe are the strengths and/or weaknesses in how the answer differs from yours. You may critique another answer which has already been critiqued.
  
  2) Good news: Starfleet has evaluated your fleet requests and recommendations and decided to grant your needs in full.
  
  Bad news: The majority of your fleet has been diverted to put out a fire on the Klingon border, a minor skirmish. They will be delayed at least a week, perhaps two. As such, your largest ship of the line and largest non-combatant vessel are now on station, giving you a total of three vessels in the sector. (including Runnymede)
  
  3) The crew of a merchant vessel recently arrived at the starbase tells of detecting a small grouping of ships at the extreme edge of sensor range during their approach. When pressed further, the crew notes that the ships were enteringfrom the "upper righthand side" of the sector. Further analysis of the merchie's sensor logs reveals a small force of four vessels, types unknown, but with warp signatures that are unmistakeably Gorn. The logs also show that the group is heading in the general direction of the Zemch quarantine zone.
  
  4) What follows are three possible scenarios for events in Dorza Sector. Choose two scenarios to respond to, describing what diplomatic efforts your staff should be making. Describe also the nearest (or most relevant) starship to that event should be, what that ship should do in response, and how your fleet status could or should change as a result. NOTE: Assume that events from one scenario will not directly affect the others.
  
  
  
  • A plague strikes the deepsea colony on class-O Dorza IV. The cause is swiftly identified, but there no medications in the Dorza system. Consultation with Starfleet reveals that the nearest medications are two sectors and three weeks away; by that time, the 3500-person colony may be totally dead. In the midst of the crisis, the Dorzan leader mentions that the cure can most likely be made from plants on Semma IV and demands that you ask the Sh'sh'l for assistance and adequate flora to synthesize sera.
    
  • A small civilian craft suffers a catastrophic accident and is adrift. Communications are spotty but the craft's master implies that they are headed towards the Semma system and plan to land and make repairs. Shortly after the transmission, the craft crosses the helioppause and long-range sensors detect two vessels leaving Semma IV and travelling on a slow intercept course. Inital scans put the ships at being equal to Yeager-class starships.
    
  • A faction of Dorzan rebels catpure the colony on the class-K moon of the eighth planet. They make a broadcast calling for an end to the ageist policies of the Dorzan government, saying they will hold the colony--a key mining spot--hostage until such time as the changes are implemented. The Dorzan leader calls you up demanding Federation assistance--within the bounds of the prime directive. Unsurprisingly, the rebel leaders do the same.
    
  
  5) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part 3. Any reasonable military, political or scientific scenario is acceptable. However, DO NOT ANSWER the scenario yourself. Rather, it will be answered by the others as part of Question Three.
  
  [ July 19, 2006, 09:15 PM: Message edited by: Shik ]
   

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  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  (1) Critique: Paladin's response to the possibility of some sort of Dorzan "threat." I think it's incredibly species-ist, paternalistic, and nothing short of the same sort of condescension that the pre-modern Vulcans showed Humanity in the early 22nd century. We have no right to judge their culture based on our own perspectives; to do otherwise violates the very heart of the Prime Directive's purpose, in spirit if not by the letter of the law. Aside from the possibility of active conquest, they have just as much right to expand and colonize as they see fit. Certainly, we feel they could benefit from Federation membership, and that we could gain much from them as well. But should they choose otherwise, that is absolutely their prerogative.
  
  (2) The following vessels have arrived:
  * USS Heracles, Akira class, NCC-62504
  * USS Grand Teton, Istanbul class, NCC-38411
  
  The following assets have been delayed:
  * USS Proteus, Saber class, NCC-61998
  * USS Bayreuth, Saber class, NCC-61949
  * USS Antietam, Defiant class, NCC-76874
  * USS Cheng Ho, Nova class, NCC-72389
  * USS Dakota, Nova class, NCC-73617
  * USS Paladin, Intrepid class, NCC-74836 (you said granted in full, right?)
  * 114th Fighter Squadron
  
  (3) Looks like the Heracles is getting its first assignment. It's going to start the job of patrol and deploying the sensor net in the trusteeship zone until the rest of my fleet arrives.
  
  (4A) I'll send Runnymede to attempt to make contact; Captain Henschel is ordered to be persistent but up front about what we want to do. Any and all conditions imposed for such aid should be accepted � if they want to collect it all themselves and send it offplanet (thus avoiding any "aliens" from needing to land, we'll take whatever we can get. However, there will be no provocative or unilateral action taken; the Semmans have ultimate right to their planet, and though we may push, the diplomatic boundaries will be upheld.
  
  (4B) First, is this Federation civilian, or Dorzan civilian, or random-bumpy-headed-alien civilian? Unless it's the first option, I'll take a hands-off policy. I don't have any forces to send to the rescue for some random ship not under Federation jurisdiction if the situation isn't life-threatening. However, if the civilian ship is flying with Federation markings, then the Runnymede will ride to the rescue and attempt to intervene. Orders will be to approach cautiously and non-aggressively, with the clear and stated aim (broadcast via known Semman comms channels) that the goal of their approach is to help preserve the Semmans' apparently-desired privacy.
  
  I may consider establishing a Semman Exclusion Zone, to keep all traffic away from their system. Dunno how necessary that might be right now, though.
  
  (4C) Fortunately, my diplomatic training reminds me not to laugh in either faction's faces. If they know about the Prime Directive at all, they'll know this is purely an internal affair, and the Federation will not get involved. On any material-aid level, period. I will offer the Federation's services as mediator, with the primary goal of getting the hostages themselves released to avoid bloodshed. (And I will make it clear at the outset that that's my ONLY goal; the mining colony itself is of minimal importance by comparison.)
  
  In the mean time, I will instruct my adjutant to draw up a list of all Federation citizens or groups in Dorzan territory; should any sort of fighting break out, I don't want our people being pawns in the Dorzan cultural revolution. (Good thing I ordered that Istanbul...) Also, I want to know more about these Dorzan rebels, and just how many more of them there might be out there...
  
  (5) Those Gorn ships? (Assuming you send a ship out there,) You find out they're not heading towards any of the uninhabited worlds in the trusteeship zone, they're going right towards Zemch itself. No contact has yet been made. How far will you go to intervene and protect Zemch isolation?
  
  EDIT: To clarify, the Runnymede will be departing for a well-deserved decommissioning as soon as its replacement, the Paladin, arrives.
   

  ---

  Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
   
  That doesn't mean you get to decommission Runnymede, Dan. Sorry to piss on your parade. Also, for part 4, you're supposed to do 2 of the scenarios only. care to fix?
   

  ---

  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  

  quote:

  ---

  That doesn't mean you get to decommission Runnymede, Dan. Sorry to piss on your parade.

  ---

  Okay, fine, if Starfleet wants to keep a bucket of bolts on frontier duty, that's fine by me. (I can't help it if I'm melodramatic!) To clarify with less sarcasm, my opinion is that Starfleet should be in the process of pulling all of its old ships off of long-range and front-line duty, in the aftermath of the war. If they're smart, they'd be continuing their war-level starship production rates for a while afterward to replenish their losses, and to get more-modern ships out in the frontier regions. (Assuming that all those First Contact-type ships weren't all out on the frontier all along, and we never saw them.)
  

  quote:

  ---

  Also, for part 4, you're supposed to do 2 of the scenarios only. care to fix?

  ---

  Meh, I did the same thing all the time back in school. I was the kid that everyone else hated because he did all his work, and LIKED it.
   

  ---

  Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
   
  1. Critique of Harry�s answer: Are you crazy? Why do you need so much firepower for a quiet sector? Starfleet no doubt needs its cruisers and Defiants elsewhere. All the important tasks can be accomplished (in my opinion) with the much smaller forces that I took. If it looks like anyone might turn hostile, more ships can always be requested. Also, I doubt contact with the Semmans should be performed under the authority of the science council, since it was scientists that pissed them off in the first place.
  
  2. I now have the USS Hornet (refit Renaissance class) and an Istanbul class transport, as well as the Runnymede (which, by the way, is perfectly suited to give a Federation presence, as long as it doesn�t have to do anything...).
  
  I view the Renaissance class refit as a small Ambassador class vessel (slightly earlier design). It is obviously somewhat less heavily armed, and has a shorter range, but retains good speed and scientific capabilities, and can host small diplomatic conferances.
  
  What type of starbase is in this sector???
  
  3. I will take the Hornet to make contact with the Gorn fleet over subspace as soon as possible. They might not even know that they are heading to a quarantined area, and if they do, negotiations will be necessary.
  
  4. According to this site http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/schematics/starfleet_ships1.htm
  the Istanbul has a transport capacity of 2000 people. I would assume that it has an EVACUATION capacity of significantly greater then that, surely 3,500. The Istanbul could thus, carry all the people in the colony, quarantining all essential crew in the bridge and engineering (if it can�t, then the Hornet and Runnymede can help). Then, the Istanbul ship could more at maximum cruise speed toward the ship that is carrying the cure. This would take a big chunk off the time it takes to administer the cure, probably insuring that all the colonists get it in time. If calculations show that some might not get it in time with this method, emergency diplomatic efforts would be initiated with the Semmans (assuming that the Dorzans are actually pointing them to a good reason � not for example, �this disease looks plant-like and those guys are plants!�) in a polite but urgent manner.
  
  For the rebellion scenario, it is not Starfleets duty to interfere in this matter, but mediation would certainly be possible. The Federation sympathizes with the rebels cause, but condemns their methods. In addition, the Istanbul class ship along with the Hornet would be sent to the colony. This would allow any civilians to be evacuated quickly if the situation deteriorates. One diplomatic proposal to both sides if it can�t be resolved quickly would be to allow the rebels to be exiled to Federation territory (assuming they haven�t damage the colony or killed any people) while noting that the Federation will continue to attempt to encourage the Dorzans to gain a more enlightened view of the aged people.
  
  5. Here is a scenario: A group of 40+ Dorzans somehow disguised themselves as younger people and voted in an election. They are later found out, but manage to escape in a shuttle owned by the wealthiest of them. They arrive at the starbase and ask for asylum, but the Dorzans pursue and ask for them to be returned and face punishments of 40 years imprisonment for most, and lifetime imprisonment for the ringleader. What do you do?
   

  ---

  Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
   
  == Q2a ==
  Critique on Dan's answers: Your priorities cover the basic standing orders of the Federation Starfleet. What are the specific priorities of tasks in this sector?
  
  
  == Q2b ==
  This leaves me with the Ajax and the Seron (one of my two Novas). Hmm.. that must have been quite a skirmish to require the fleet of my entire Sector. I'm glad I didn't listen to those other admirals telling me I was crazy. It seems the Klingons here are definitely a threat! Ajax is assigned to Q2c (see below), Seron will be sent to the Zemch system, placing orbital surveillance equipment and getting some first-hand reports on Zemchian technological progress. Runnymede will engage in initial contact with the Dorzans. I will probably attend a meeting or two with the Dorzans.
  
  == Q2c ==
  Normally, this should've been dealt with by my escort unit or one of the light cruisers. But since they are still en route from the Klingon incident, they can't be here in time. I will send out my second-in-command aboard the Ajax. They will attempt to make contact as soon as they are in range, and determine the intent of the Gorn (or whoever is piloting those presumed Gorn vessels).
  
  == Q2d ==
  The civilian craft is only just entering the Semma system, and the Semmans send out two of their cruisers to intercept it. In theory, there shouldn't be any big problems, as the Semmans are not known to be hostile. Furthermore, they aren't really isolationist, just politely discouraging our attempts to communicate. So, I'm just gonna open a channel to them, explain that the vessel has problems (but they probably know that), and respectfully ask them not to eat, incinerate or otherwise harm the crewmembers. I invite them to deliver the crew to our Starbase, or to plan a pickup by Runnymede. Regardless, this face-to-face contact may be a good point to start building some trust with the Zznjlii/Sh'sh'l.
  
  Dorzan rebels.. Well, this is an internal affair, and I will not get involved. I will offer to provide a neutral meeting place and to mediate the dispute, but I'm not taking sides. An inventory of Federation (and other foreign) citizens in the Dorzan system would be handy, just in case.
  
  == Q2e ==
  A Klingon Vor'cha-class cruiser decloaks in orbit of Semma, having slipped through whatever sensors were deployed. Apparently, they have a plague outbreak on one of their colonies, and they beam down a strike force to claim the cure. In a knee-jerk reaction, the Zznjlii/Sh'sh'l shoot down the Vor'cha, and any progress made in communicating with them is undone as they go into isolation again (but this time more angry and less polite). If they still had the crew of the crashed vessel in custody, there is no word of their current status. To make it even more interesting, the Klingon ship belonged to the rebellious House that caused such trouble with you when you arrived in the sector. The High Council refuses to acknowledge the mission, but the local Klingon leaders are quite pissed off at losing their cruiser, *and* their luxury sea colony.
   

  ---

  Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
   
  

  quote:

  ---

  1) OBJECTIVELY CRITIQUE one of the other answers to Question One.

  ---

  I choose to critique Paladin's answer, if only on the issue of Dorzan policy. A goal of "democratizing" the alien society appears contrary to UFP principles, where even those societies eligible for actual UFP membership can operate on nondemocratic modes of government. Does not the general policy of noninterference apply? Moreover, spatial containment of the Dorzans strikes me as a singularly un-UFP move, especially when there are no active UFP territorial interests in the sector to be defended. As long as the Dorzans can be made to recognize the UFP claim to trusteeship protection of the Zemch and their expansion reservate, Starfleet should maintain a hands-off policy regarding the colonization efforts of the locals. In actual cases of forcible conquest, Starfleet might intervene on behalf of either side in response to an explicit call for help.
  
  The 12-starship fleet postulated is well balanced and perfectly capable of enforcing both the containment policy and a hands-off approach, and might not raise eyebrows at SF Headquarters even if Adm. Paladin claimed to be following a neutrality doctrine. It might still be politically wise to request fewer vessels to explicitly lend credibility to a less aggressive policy.
  
  

  quote:

  ---

  2) Good news: Starfleet has evaluated your fleet requests and recommendations and decided to grant your needs in full. Bad news: The majority of your fleet has been diverted to put out a fire on the Klingon border, a minor skirmish.

  ---

  This means that of the actual combatants, only the Robuste and Runnymede are on station. My "noncombatant" will be the science vessel Humason, as the tender Veracruz still carries the heavy phasers inherent in the Steamrunner design and can provide meaningful assistance in sorting out the Klingon mess. Of course, the Humason also features the full complement of phasers and torpedoes familiar from other Nova vessels...
  
  

  quote:

  ---

  3) The crew of a merchant vessel recently arrived at the starbase tells of detecting a small grouping of ships at the extreme edge of sensor range during their approach. When pressed further, the crew notes that the ships were enteringfrom the "upper righthand side" of the sector. Further analysis of the merchie's sensor logs reveals a small force of four vessels, types unknown, but with warp signatures that are unmistakeably Gorn. The logs also show that the group is heading in the general direction of the Zemch quarantine zone.

  ---

  This is where the Robuste would have been deployed in any case, executing her primary orders of sector control. She will be tasked with intercepting and interrogating the arrivals, and informing them of the existence of a UFP quarantine zone and the obligations of foreign nationals relevant to such a zone. While not exactly a masterpiece of modern multitargeting, the old Excelsior should present a credible military deterrent to any Gorn nastiness here.
  
  

  quote:

  ---

  4) Choose two scenarios to respond to, describing what diplomatic efforts your staff should be making. Describe also the nearest (or most relevant) starship to that event should be, what that ship should do in response, and how your fleet status could or should change as a result.

  ---

  Scenario 1: Plague on Dorza IV
  
  Complying with the Dorzan "demand" appears to be an easy way to the hearts and minds of the local populance, not to mention the perfect pretext to launch Operation Not Really Here. The Humason will deploy on Semma, and attempt contact with the Sh'sh'l through a call for humanitarian aid. However, the possibility of trade will be brought up, too, and the holographic envoys will graphically demonstrate the whole range of products and services the UFP could pay with. Direct trade with Dorza is not my first offer, though; I wish to play a buffer role here, insofar as I formally claim to rule the empty space between the players anyway.
  
  On the Dorzan front, Captain Henschel will lead the diplomatic effort, gently pointing out how the well-established UFP medical framework might have provided the medication in time if Dorza had already been integrated to it, an offering further consultation services. This isn't the time yet to press on with counterdemands, but some inroads can probably be made on sending UFP medical observers to the other Dorzan colonies. The Runnymede stands by in the system.
  
  Scenario 2: Intruder at Semma
  
  Even though the scenarios are supposed to be separate, they aren't in conflict. The Humason will still be in the Semma system at this time, and will attempt contact with the locals on the issue of intercept. Whether such contact can be established or not, the ship herself will respond, throwing a few alien carcasses into the boilers in order to reach the derelict first and render assistance and course correction.
  
  Scenario 3:
  � A Kaelon science vessel docks at SB 403, with a delegation led by a Dr Rtsonaman insisting on seeing you. The Doctor's somewhat controversial research has indicated that one of the Zemch reservate stars is on the brink of destruction, and will provide the ideal testing grounds for a technique that could save the Kaelon home star from a similar fate. If Rtsonaman is allowed to proceed, the Zemch star will require several decades of careful husbandry lest it go wild and wreak havoc in that system, potentially in the neighboring ones as well. If not, he predicts the star will explode anyway within the next 300 years, and will be worthless for the Zemch. Rtsonaman may be a kook, but he has political backing - the Kaelon membership in the UFP (not to mention the survival of the Kaelon species) may depend on this experiment. Rtsonaman wants to start right now - and reveals that he has already sent a reconnaissance team to the system to prod the star.
  
  Oh, and on the issue of noncanon starship specs: two of my three cruisers aren't onscreen vessels, and are supposed to follow my Guide specs. The Apollo class here is assumed to be similar to Excelsior, in fact one of the study models for that canon ship - the one with the same number of nacelles and all. The Hokule'a is the three-nacelled monstrosity from DS9 Tech Manual, just with two nacelles here (the full three-naceller is the Medusa class). In other words, fairly similar Excelsior era vessels all, even though the Elent�ri is a bit lighter and the Achilles a bit slower than the flagship Robuste.
  
  Timo Saloniemi
   

  ---

  Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
   
  Ship commentary: I�m basically going by Timo�s Guide so for any detailed technical questions go there.
  
  Excelsior Mk.III: A cruiser size vessel seems appropriate for a sector command, being big enough to house a command staff and appropriate fleet C3I facilities. In addition, a starship of this size is big enough to impress the locals, as well as mounting sufficient firepower to deal with any likely threat in a non-front line sector like this. The I]Excelsior[/I] also has fairly decent diplomatic facilities and I�ll make sure mine has a good chef and well stocked cellar for any events we may have to host . Finally, there are plenty of Excelsiors around, even after war losses, and the war construction programmes have provided many more modern ships for exploration and defence missions in more important sectors.
  
  Nova: Small scientific vessels seem appropriate for the survey and exploration needs of this sector rather than anything bigger. With the elderly Oberths being retired or occupied in safer sectors and given the scientific potential of this sector, Starfleet wants its most modern surveyors on the job.
  
  New Orleans: Again, not the most modern class in the fleet, but still a pretty capable vessel. A ship this size gives me a mid-sized multi-role vessel in case my flagship is disabled or otherwise engaged. The modular mounts also give the New Orleans a certain amount of flexibility (although changing modules would require a certain amount of downtime).
  
  Sabre: Decent light cruiser. Good for patrol, can take care of itself but also has fairly good sensors for preliminary scientific surveys.
  
  Istanbul: Large general purpose transport and tender ship. Useful for any number of things; humanitarian missions, re-supply, emergency towing etc.
  
  Orkney: this is the beefed up corvette version of the Nova. The Starbase and Dorza are the primary fixed Federation assets which need to be protected; an Orkney has more than enough punch to defend the system and I doubt Starfleet would mind parting from just one given that these were mass produced during the war.
  
  Now for Question 2�
  
  a) Critique of Harry�s response; three Defiants for a sector which isn�t on the front line and in which there are no significant and immediate threats? Seems slightly excessive. Other than that, do you have any specific plans to try and persuade the Dorzans that they should modify they culture?
  
  b) The following ships have arrived in sector:
  USS Palmerston (NCC-36710) Excelsior Mk.III class
  USS Adrianople (NCC-34853) Istanbul class
  The following ships have been delayed:
  USS Thermistocles (NCC-58064), New Orleans class
  USS Katana (NCC-60259), Sabre class
  USS Stormbringer (NCC-60265), Sabre class
  USS Fortney (NCC-73551), Nova class
  USS Scott (NCC-73560), Nova class
  USS Arran (NCC-73607), Orkney class
  
  
  3) With only two combat capable ships at my disposal (and one of those a somewhat aged Miranda) I don�t want to risk a confrontation with the Gorn, particularly as the specifics of their ships are unknown. Until the remainder of my fleet arrives Palmerston will deploy a sensor net in the Zemch quarantine zone.
  
  4) b) The civilian craft poses no threat to Semma. I�d point this out to them, along with the fact that Starfleet intervention would allow them to remain isolated and dispatch the Adrianople and Runnymede to recover and repair the civilian vessel before it reaches Semma. Any approach would be cautious.
  
  c) The Prime Directive allows me to do nothing except act a mediator in this situation. I�d also attempt to (discreetly) determine the extent of domestic opposition to the current form of government. This could possibly act as a catalyst to reform on Dorza.
  
  5) The Gorn ships arrive in one of the uninhabited systems reserved for the Zemch. Once there, they rendezvous with what at first appears to be a small asteroid. Upon the arrival of one of your ships in the system, however, it becomes clear that it is the remains of a spaceship. The Gorn make contact, claim that the ship is theirs and that it predates the Federation presence in the area, meaning that the system (and possibly others) belong to the Gorn. The plentiful resources in this system make it one of the most important for the future development of the ZemchHow do you respond?
  
  [ July 20, 2006, 06:12 AM: Message edited by: Wraith ]
   

  ---

  Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
   
  Just to clarify my ships a bit (and name them all!):
  
  USS Ajax, Apollo class heavy cruiser
  USS Runnymede, Miranda class transport
  USS Saladin, Sabre class light cruiser
  USS Scylax, Sequoia class light cruiser
  USS Mariner, Challenger class light cruiser
  USS Neptune, Kotaka class escort
  USS Temeraire, Kotaka class escort
  USS Thillaan, Kotaka class escort
  USS Seron, Nova class surveyor
  USS Gelv, Nova class surveyor
  USS Rhine, Danube class runabout
  USS Nile, Danube class runabout
  
  Rhine and Nile are initially carried on Ajax (can I assume they arrived on time? Runabouts aren't fighters, after all). As i said earlier, the escorts are 'Defiant-like'. As you can now see, they are (I assume) much smaller than the Defiants (slightly larger than a Maquis raider, I would imagine), and are of significantly lesser capabilities than the other ships. They are primarily defensive vessels.
   

  ---

  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  

  quote:

  ---

  Originally posted by Wraith:
  I�ll make sure mine has a good chef and well stocked cellar for any events we may have to host.

  ---

  "Note to the galley: Romulan Ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions!"
  

  quote:

  ---

  Originally posted by Harry:
  Critique on Dan's answers: Your priorities cover the basic standing orders of the Federation Starfleet. What are the specific priorities of tasks in this sector?

  ---

  Okay, fine! First priority, peace and diplomacy between the Dorzans, Semmans, and any foreign powers that may develop an interest in this sector. Second priority, defend our Federation allies, the Dorzans, and the Federation trustees, the Zemch, from any hostile incursions. Third priority, to foster the Dorzans towards Federation membership (probably through some carrot-on-a-stick strategy), and to coax the Semmans out of their isolationist shell (through abject apologies and the offering of Scooby Snacks). Fourth, to explore and survey the various systems in this sector.
  
  I kinda thought that the outline for priorities made that obvious, but I guess not...
   

  ---

  Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
   
  Q2a:
  I love Timo�s idea of a holographic diplomat for the Semmans. This would be a great use of technology to bring some healing to the Semman/Federation relationship and even if it takes hundred of years the holo-diplomat will always be there in the process.
  
  Q2b:
  Arrived Ships �
  U.S.S. Al Reij ~ Excelsior Class (Stationed at Starbase 403)
  U.S.S. Tulip ~ Istanbul Class (Stationed at Starbase 403)
  U.S.S. Runnymede ~ Miranda Class (Stationed at Starbase 403)
  
  Pending Starships �
  U.S.S. Minigamu ~ New Orleans Class
  U.S.S. Blix ~ Miranda Class
  U.S.S. Douxen ~ Miranda Class
  U.S.S. Dawn Treader ~ Nova Class
  U.S.S. Anjeries ~ Nova Class
  U.S.S. Skagit ~ Nova Class
  U.S.S. Nooksack ~ Nova Class
  U.S.S. Razzell Rose ~ Istanbul Class
  U.S.S. Emperor Lilly ~ Istanbul Class
  U.S.S. Namco�s Vine ~ Istanbul Class
  
  Q2c:
  The Al Reij and Runnymede will move out to intercept the Gorn. Its doubtful they hear to do anything more then rattle their sabers. Nonetheless the Al Reij will make contact with the Gorn; while the Runnymede waits out of sensor range and further along the Gorn�s path into trustee space. The Gorn will be highly encouraged to leave or go around.
  
  Q2d:
  1. The civilian ship is to be told over and over again through the spotty communication �NOT TO LAND�. It�s imperative that they get this message. Similar efforts should be made to contact the Semmans, telling them what is transpiring and asking that the civilian ship be rendered assistance or detained by Semman ships. The Al Reij will move to the Semma system at best possible speed to take the civilians back to Starbase 403.
  2. The Dorzan rebellion situation provides a unique opportunity to make contact with Pro-Age groups within Dorzan society. Acting as mediator for the two groups to bring about the release of hostages is the primary and most important goal. The Federation must remain a �good friend� to the Dorzan�s as a whole. However the opportunity to begin laying the foundation for talks and clandestine sponsorship with the Pro-Age Dozans is an equally important aspect. This will be done on the side and very discretely.
  
  Q2e:
  The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe was answered one night for an inventive Zemch youth who broadcasted a signal into the night sky and then several days later heard a response. A merchant ship had picked up the signal and mistaking it�s origin for a second merchant ship, responded back. This wouldn�t have been so bad had they only responded once, but thinking the other ship rude they called again and again. On Zemch the youth informed the authorities who have now heard the merchant ships crass communiqu�s and have now begun a government organization to find the source of the �Great Out There Messages�. How do you contain this and prevent future contamination?
   

  ---

  Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
   
  Wow, two resposes to my Colonization objective... I've touched on something with my hardline, take no crap, kick ya in the teeth... etc... etc... style of command. I guess I'm thinging of it more like Star Trek: Armada - enter the system, take all the resources, and dominate your enemies.
   

  ---

  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  Okay, so after much thought and effort, I've come up with what is � I hope � a suitable sector map based on Shik's sketch. Unfortunately, I'm not ambitious enough to do a 3D map yet, so I had to flatten the sector to use my existing map templates. However, I think that it shouldn't affect the strategy of the scenario all that much. (Just yell if you disagree, Shik.)
  
  And I threw together a map of the Dorza System while I was at it, too.
  
  
  
  
  Note: Habitable systems are marked with (H) after their designation codes.
   

  ---

  Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
   
  I assume that's an elevation view from the "front" of the sector, Dan. Still, nice & shiny! I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.
   

  ---

  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  

  quote:

  ---

  I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.

  ---

  Nope, I made that map from scratch with Fireworks MX. The planets were made with the same Photoshop plugin they used for the illustrations of the plugins themselves (with LunarCell), but everything else is vectors and patterns! The asteroid belt, for example, is a series of closely-spaced concentric rings with "random" grey dots to simulate the appearance of protoplanetary rubble. The star was made by taking a solid white circle (with feathered edges) and superimposing a mostly-transparent pattern of blue swirls to add a hint of color.
  
  (Hmm, I need to go back and add the shadows to the gas giants...)
   

  ---

  Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
   
  Updated maps (and a new location), plus a new map of the Semman System:
  
  
  

  quote:

  ---

  Originally posted by Shik:
  I assume that's an elevation view from the "front" of the sector, Dan. Still, nice & shiny! I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.

  ---

  Well, it's actually supposed to be viewed from the top-down. I kinda had to estimate some of the locations based on the skewed perspective. Let me know if anything needs moving!
   

  ---

  Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
   
  Uh, at this rate, stellar drift will require just about everything to be moved.
  
  Timo Saloniemi
   

  ---

  Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
   
  QUESTION THREE (four parts)
  
  
  • Answer any TWO of the scenarios postulated in part 5 of Question Two. You may NOT answer your own scenario.
    
    
  • The rebellion on the Dorzan K-class colony enters its second week. Communication is spotty, but your intel suggests that the rebels have prepared for an assault by Dorzan forces. Conversations with the Dorzan leader have neither confirmed nor denied any attack is being planned, but his general attitude implies there is infact something in the works. To make matters worse, a reply to your report to Command has yielded the fact that there are 25 visiting researchers on the colony who are Federation citizens; one is the grandson of a well-connected Tellarite councillor. If the rebels know of this or that the researchers are there, they have yet to announce it. Detail how this new information changes or does not change your planned handling of the situation. Describe any actions you may or may not take and the concerns that guide them.
    
    
  • The civilian craft that entered the Semma system is now docked at Starbase 403. The craft's master has reported that the Semman vessels were quite polite in their assistance but made no direct personal contact. However, one of the crew has drunkenly let slip in private that the captain took covert scans of the vessel that imply an organic construction to the Semman ships. He has offered to make a copy of the sensor logs on the sly for your staff if they so desire in exchange for certain favors that he may collect on in the future. do you take him up on his offer? Explain your decision.
    
    
  • The Gorn task force is now one day from the border of the Zemch quarantine zone and has been identified by the ship you stationed nearby as a large transport carrying 65,000 Gorn, two Gorn light cruiser escorts (similar to the Saber-class) and one Gorn battle cruiser (similar to the Vor'Cha-class). The remainder of your fleet has arrived, just in time it seems, and they come with a message relayed from Starfleet Command that the Gorn have made official claims to the Zemch systems and all stars "rightward" of them. This expedition is the first of what is to be several planned for the area. The message has made it clear that while the Gorn wish to continue to peacably live with their Federation neighbors they are willing to defend what they see as their interests in the area. The notes from Command seem to imply a similar sentiment in San Francisco. How will you handle this apparent powderkeg?
     

    ---

    Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
     
    ==Q3a1==
    
    Paladin�s scenario of cultural contamination is something I�d face sooner or later when chaperoning the Zemch. I believe it is in my interests to send spying missions to that planet, in the same manner that the Vulcans monitored Earth or Picard the Malcorians � but I�ll start carefully, sending out unmanned probes only. I aim mainly to monitor planetary communications, so that I can understand enough of that society to lay the blame on a putative local jokester if I have to. If the situation starts to get out of hand, I have no choice but to send in the Humason and her holographic envoys, now reprogrammed to infiltrate the Zemch society and undo the contamination. They will have a swell time playing that society�s equivalent to Men in Black, ridiculing the event till everybody there is too embarrassed to discuss it. (That is, if the Zemch psych profile favors that approach. But the holograms are flexible, and can find other ways to distract the Zemch.)
    
    Naturally, I will do my best to keep such things from happening again, but until I get my Sabers and finish setting up the surveillance network, there�s always the risk of leaks like this.
    
    ==Q3a2==
    
    Many of the other player scenarios touch on the Gorn, and I want to deal with the �canon� Gorn scenario instead. So I�ll have to tackle Neutrino now. The asylum seekers appear to be explicit criminals by local laws, and their expected punishment, while harsh, isn�t the sort of life-threatening abomination that the UFP would oppose out of principle. I expect the asylum request to be turned down eventually, but I have nothing against turning this to a major public incident. So I carefully listen to what the fugitives have to say, and delay their extradition enough to make the Dorzans itchy. If there are any health issues with imprisoning the ah so geriatric 41-year-olds, I will use those as a delaying act as well. I allow the voices of both sides to be heard on public channels so that the incident will have maximum impact on Dorzan interior politics and UFP public opinion. I make clear that freedom-of-expression issues are close to the heart of UFP lawmakers and membership application juries � and that speeding up the extradition process probably requires interaction with these old and distinguished lawmakers... With luck, I can keep this thing on the headlines for a month or two.
    
    ==Q3b==
    
    Uh-oh. The one scenario that I didn�t choose on the previous round� I�m a bit behind in my response, then. I will assume I have merely acknowledged the rebellion but not interfered so far. At most, I have ordered the Runnymede, present in the system, to readiness.
    
    With the Gorn at the gates, I cannot detach my singe heavy combat asset right now. The old frigate is now sent alone to �assess the situation� at the Class K planet. Dorzan government will be informed that the Federation now has a direct interest in the crisis (and is not breaking its own rules just for the heck of it, or in assistance of one side or the other), and no doubt the rebels will find this out as well. I will still not accept the calls for aid, but will act on behalf of the UFP in trying to negotiation with the rebels. Naturally, Captain Henschel has covert instructions to prepare for a hostage extraction mission, as well as the authority to reveal this mission to the government if it has to be used as leverage in dissuading the government forces from performing a raid of their own. Showing the government that Starfleet is prepared to act vigorously even when it sits down on negotiating tables will hopefully improve our standing. (I can also play with the pawns handed to me by Neutrino, speeding up or slowing down their extradition to manipulate the government and possibly the rebels. They will be extradited eventually.)
    
    ==Q3c==
    
    This is a slight non sequitur as, possibly against expectations, I arranged for an intrusive starship presence in the Semma system from the very beginning. My science vessel ought to have been able to prevent close contact between the civilian craft and the Semman ships. No matter; the craft and her crew could have gathered all sorts of information my resident starship might not. I believe I could purchase the information as long as the price is written down a bit more accurately than �certain future favors�. However, my active efforts at infiltra� I mean, approaching the Semman societies will no doubt provide me with comparable data - and whether the Semmans find out about this will then depend solely on MY discretion, not on that of (already provably loose-lipped) third parties. So, thanks but no thanks.
    
    ==Q3d==
    
    So the Gorn are moving in? Are they formal signatories to my presence in the sector or not? I will continue to assume that the UFP claim to the Zemch reservate is generally valid by interstellar law and precedent, and will act to defend it even if the Gorn do not acknowledge said law and precedent.
    
    The convoy will receive my permission to explore, colonize or, if they wish, paint pink the star systems within this sector that are not currently claimed by their native sapient populances, and are not under UFP protection. I will arbitrate on competing claims on other types of star systems in the sector. I also inform them of the quarantine rules for the four Zemch reservate systems. As I am on a magnanimous mood, I will not fire upon the Gorn if they perform obvious preparations for breaking the quarantine rules (such as maintaining a course towards the planets), but I will correspondingly perform some preparations of mine.
    
    The Robuste is (secretly) ordered to prepare a batch of limpet mines, to be fired onto the Gorn vessels in case of quarantine breach. Until such breach, my cruiser will behave nonaggressively, hopefully luring the Gorn to keeping their shields down so that the limpets will be effective. If the Gorn do raise shields, I still expect to be able to attach limpets to the transport after a single well-aimed �softening� shot, and then concentrate on countering the possible hostile designs of the battle cruiser. Despite being outgunned here, I expect to be able to hold the upper hand by selectively damaging the transport if need be.
    
    If the Gorn split their forces, rules of engagement will change. All Gorn units will be told to cease activities that might result in breach of quarantine (such as certain courses of flight), and will be attacked if they do not comply. The Runnymede will be scrambled to intercept any such break-out/break-in attempt by one of the Gorn escorts - or even two if it comes to that. I still expect the threat of my big battlewagon upon the transport to stop the Gorn from misbehaving.
    
    Timo Saloniemi
     

    ---

    Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
     
    Q3a:
    Harry�s scenario of Klingons on Semma presents a potential hotspot and is therefore a top priority. First of all I would have the UFP Ambassador lobby the Klingon government to rein in the trouble-making house (doubtful of this doing any good though). The next step is to politely enter the Semma system and ask to speak over subspace with the Semmans. No scanning will be done and the Al Reij will stay at the edge of the system, in kindness to the Semmans. The Al Reij will try to ascertain if the Klingons are alive or if regaining their corpses is possible. Also and attempt will be made to acquire the cure or possible research for said cure. The table will be open to anything the Semmans would like, including a non-interaction agreement. Once this is done, the bodies or prisoners and cure (if there is one) will be brought to 403 and held until a Federation ship can bring them back to Quonos. This diverts the attention to the Federation and away from the Semmans and possibly dishonoring the trouble-making house.
    
    Timo�s scenario of the Doctor and the Star presents a more delicate problem. With his backing and zeal it will be hard to say no to him, but I�ll tell him no anyway. The Zemch have been given those systems in the reserve and by golly they are going to have them. Since the system has around 300 years to go I think its safe to say that the Zemch will be able to get some use out of the system and possibly more once the Doctor prefects his theories in another star system. I would even offer to help him find another system and escort him to it. His recon team will of course have to turn around - my two Mirandas will make sure of that.
    
    Q3b:
    Well opening up doors to the Pro-Age underground are pretty well closed off, pity. But the safety of the hostages was always primary. The Runnymede would stay in system, while strike teams would be prepared on ships waiting outside the system. Efforts to get both sides to the table on Runnymede would be doubled and here it would be slipped that Federation citizens are on the station. The tone would be as such that if the Dorzan government tries to take back the colony or if the rebels attempt anything rash � the consequences would most severe. (Would have to speak with Command to see what could be leveled against the infracting party if this is tested.) The Runnymede would also try to locate the hostages with her sensors (if she can�t a Nova would be called in).
    
    Q3c:
    I would rather get the information from the Semma directly as that relationship needs to be a trusting and honest one. You couldn�t have that if this was hanging over you or the possibility of the crewman blabbing again (unless he could be shown the airlock� hmmm�kidding).
    
    Q3d:
    With my full force here I would have all the combat ready ships rendezvous with the Runnymede (which is farther into the Zemch Protectorate). The Istanbuls would goto 403 and the Novas would move to a position above the Gorn fleet. There they would make as much electronic, communication, and sensor noise as they could to simulate a Federation fleet on the flank of the Gorn. Communiqu�s would be sloppily relayed between the Al Reij and the �Ghost Fleet� to further bolster this deception. If the Gorn persist, despite the threat behind them, the real fleet will move up to where the Al Reij is and the line will be drawn. The Al Reij and battle-cruiser will pair off, the Minigamu & Blix will take the first escort, and the Runnymede & Douxen will take the second if it comes to blows.
     

    ---

    Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
     
    ==Part 1==
    
    Answer any TWO of the scenarios postulated in part 5 of Question Two. You may NOT answer your own scenario.
    
    

    quote:

    ---

    Originally posted by Paladin:
    The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe was answered one night for an inventive Zemch youth who broadcasted a signal into the night sky and then several days later heard a response. A merchant ship had picked up the signal and mistaking it�s origin for a second merchant ship, responded back. This wouldn�t have been so bad had they only responded once, but thinking the other ship rude they called again and again. On Zemch the youth informed the authorities who have now heard the merchant ships crass communiqu�s and have now begun a government organization to find the source of the �Great Out There Messages�. How do you contain this and prevent future contamination?

    ---

    There's nothing that really could be done to "contain" this "contamination." In a roundabout way, it's ALMOST a natural development, in that someone on the Zemch developed the ability to send and receive subspace communications. They would've naturally been able to pick up all the subspace comms traffic flying about.
    
    However, this DOES mean we have to step up our plan for making official First Contact with the Zemch. By this I mean preparations and intelligence-gathering, not the actual deal yet. The Dakota would be reassigned to a long-term observation mission in the Zemch system, to get more of a feel for their culture, and specifically, their reactions to this "Great Out There Message." To go into more detail, more info about their governmental structures (assuming there's not a unified global authority yet) would be needed, and some sort of contingency emergency contact plan should be developed in case some kind of unforeseen incident occurs and contact needs to be made before everything's ready. Barring that, it'll still be years, perhaps even decades, before any official contact takes place. Also, standing protocols should be developed to inform civilian ships traveling in the vicinity of the
    
    To break off on a philosophical tangent, I wonder if the Federation's policy (inherited from the Vulcans) concerning the development of warp drive as the definitive point where First Contact can be made is really the wisest course of action. Certainly in the case of Earth, the Vulcans didn't have any long-term surveillance established (aside from spotty short-term checkups), so they just popped over the instant they realized we could travel to other stars. Certainly, once warp drive is established, it's then inevitable that the newly-starfaring race will encounter other species. But the critical question for any First Contact is not whether they're capable of traveling to other stars, but instead whether their culture is ready to absorb the existence of other inhabited worlds.
    
    I would argue that the case could be made moot by the development of subspace communications before warp drive. With subspace communications � or even short-range (i.e. 5-20 light-year) RF transmissions � there's still the unequivocal knowledge that life Out There does in fact exist. Certainly, it remains to be seen how the Zemch will absorb this information, and this kind of development is probably best taken in small steps. (I refer readers to the late 20th century human scientist and author Carl Sagan's s strangely prescient fantasy novel, Contact, for more insight into this theory.)
    
    I guess what I'm saying is, perhaps the Prime Directive needs to broaden its criteria slightly. Make the whole event of "First Contact" into a little more of a gradual affair, focused more on a society's interest and awareness in the universe beyond their world (and their capacity to listen/explore/observe it, obviously) rather than the act of a successful warp drive test on its own. Dare I mention the Malcorians, for example?
    
    

    quote:

    ---

    Originally posted by Timo:
    A Kaelon science vessel docks at SB 403, with a delegation led by a Dr Rtsonaman insisting on seeing you. The Doctor's somewhat controversial research has indicated that one of the Zemch reservate stars is on the brink of destruction, and will provide the ideal testing grounds for a technique that could save the Kaelon home star from a similar fate. If Rtsonaman is allowed to proceed, the Zemch star will require several decades of careful husbandry lest it go wild and wreak havoc in that system, potentially in the neighboring ones as well. If not, he predicts the star will explode anyway within the next 300 years, and will be worthless for the Zemch. Rtsonaman may be a kook, but he has political backing - the Kaelon membership in the UFP (not to mention the survival of the Kaelon species) may depend on this experiment. Rtsonaman wants to start right now - and reveals that he has already sent a reconnaissance team to the system to prod the star.

    ---

    With all due respect to the good doctor, the star system may be uninhabited, but that doesn't mean it's ours to do with as we please. A Prime Directive Trusteeship means exactly that... it's held in trust for those to whom it actually belongs (whether they realize it or not). Besides, regardless of whether the star will explode or not, he's forgotten to consider the effects of the stellar explosion's shockwave... the one that would effectively irradiate and sterilize many planets within a radius of several dozen light-years. Some planets may be able to protect themselves with advanced technology (or so I presume, or supernovae would be considered a much more dire threat than they've been treated in most of Trek), but what about planets like Zemch or Semma? I refuse to sacrifice one potential (eventual) Federation member in favor of another. At this time, the possible threat to the Kaelons is still relatively low, and they have time to continue their research elsewhere.
    
    Therefore, I'd dispatch the Proteus to intercept Doctor Whatshisname's ship for intruding on a Federation restricted area � specifically, the Zemch Trusteeship Zone, into which all civilian traffic is forbidden. (I haven't read Prime Directive, so I'm making this part up, but IMO it's perfectly reasonable, to avoid situations like emergency crash landings and the like.)
    
    == Part 2 ==
    
    The new information does not change the situation a whole lot, unfortunately. I will conduct discreet inquiries to see what the attitudes of the Dorzan rebels are towards the Federation. If they're favorable, I can use the Federation's leverage as a mediator, plus our own moral and diplomatic support for their cause. However, I will remain in contact with the Dorzan government, and if it seems like the discussions with the rebels can proceed, I will at the very least inform them of the basic events, but also stress that we have no interest in supporting violence or bloodshed, and especially not any violent overthrow of their system. The Federation stands for progress and change, but not VIOLENT change, because that's not considered progress. I will make the same thing clear to the rebels, as well.
    
    All this will hopefully allow me to establish a dialogue towards ending the standoff and creating some kind of workable compromise, or at the least getting the ball rolling on gradual change.
    
    Should diplomacy fail, however, I will explore options for some kind of low-impact special operations mission, with the sole goal of extracting all Federation citizens. We can assume that the rebels have some kind of shielding capabilities, but our advanced sensors should at least be able to locate the various Federation citizens for some kind of quiet infiltration. Of course, rapid beamouts would be greatly preferred! However, this mission would be dependent on an absolute minimum � i.e. zero � impact on the rebels' defensive fortifications and a major condition would be zero casualties. This assumes that the Federation citizens are in harm's way, but are not being actively sought or already held hostage by the rebels.
    
    Should there be a direct threat to the rebels, however, most bets would be off. A special ops mission would be cleared with a minimum of necessary force, and one of the goals would be to avoid doing the Dorzan government's job for them (i.e. blowing up shield generators and destroying defenses for an incursion), but I will not allow innocent Federation civilians to be used as bargaining chips for any internal conflict. That immediately would make them de facto enemies of the Federation, regardless of any other issues. (I'd make it clear to the Dorzan government, though, that their repressive policies didn't help the matter, though, and I'd continue pressure on that front.)
    
    To effect all this, the Proteus would be assigned to the operation, with Runnymede in a support role.
    
    == Part 3 ==
    
    Meh. I certainly have an interest in learning about the Semman ships, so I would be interested in making some sort of trade. However, I will certainly never agree to accept the information in exchange for some unknown favor to be returned in the future. Who knows what that could lead to? (Something like the mysterious disappearance of every copy of the ancient Earth television series Robots in Disguise from every historical archive, I'd bet. No one's ever figured out why they were suddenly replaced by images of some armored guy yelling "BWAHAHAHAHAHA!") So, I'd be willing to make some sort of reasonable exchange with immediate payment, and be done with it.
    
    The reasoning is simple... the Federation needs information about the Semmans, and given the apparent incompetence of this civilian crew, I'd be willing to bet that the Semmans knew they were being scanned, and just didn't care. They seem like a decent bunch, just not interested in much contact. And at the very least, what they don't know can't hurt them. It's not like we're going to use this information to launch a major planetary invasion anyway, right?
    
    == Part 4 ==
    
    First, I'd want to know exactly how long the Zemch Trusteeship Zone (ZTZ) has been in effect. (Shik, can you tell us?) I'm guessing it's been around for about fifty to eighty years, based on the dates of First Contact with Dorza (80 years) and Semma (120 years). Therefore, the ZTZ is well established and will easily predate any supposed Gorn claims. If they do claim any previous right to the systems, those claims are quite obviously either unenforced or unenforceable, and in either case effectively abandoned.
    
    Furthermore, a trusteeship is legally an extension of Federation territory, held in express reserve to be freely released for use of the trustee culture � in this case the Zemch, and the Zemch only. In effect, it's a protectorate � with the key difference being that there is no governmental or bureaucratic interference; the Federation's sole role is as guardian to keep others away from those systems until the Zemch can claim the territory for themselves.
    
    Therefore, I will head out to the ZTZ with most of my fleet: the Heracles (Akira), the Bayreuth (Saber), the Antietam (Defiant), and the Paladin (Intrepid). The goal will be the protection and enforcement of the ZTZ against possible incursion, with the same vigilance as protecting any Federation home territory. (After all, how different would things have been if the planets that eventually became the thriving billion-person settlements of Alpha Centauri, Tau Ceti, Terra Nova, and Deneva were all occupied by the Vulcans, or the Klingons, centuries before we made it into space? Every race deserves some breathing room to expand on their own.)
    
    However, I will still be happy to recognize the Gorn claim to the star designated AJ-946, which is also perfectly habitable and not within the ZTZ. I will "politely" offer to escort them away from the ZTZ and offer any assistance necessary, as well as establish direct relations concerning activities in the sector. I certainly won't take an aggressive stance with the Gorn, but I will remain firm.
     

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    Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
     
    UPDATE: I'm finally done with my own maps for the setup:
    
    � Proposed deployment map, Q1
    � Planned fleet assignments, pending full deployment Q2
    � Gorn confrontation, Q3
     

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    Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
     
    Nice maps as usual, sir. I will also stipulate to your time assessment of the ZTZ's existence.
     

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    Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
     
    Speaking of nice maps, I'll just take this opportunity to post an evil teaser... With Mark's permission, once we are done here in Dorza Sector (no rush of course, Shik!), we will be returning to that most infamous of sectors. That's right:
    
    Sector Beta, Part II: The Revenge!
    
    However, as I've already told Mark, I will only start posting this once he has finally finished with Sector Gamma as well! [insert evil grin here]
     

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    Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
     
    So bascially, we're never getting there.
    
    I've already planned out my next one as well...but no reason we can't have multiples!
     

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    Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
     
    Well, Mark was enthusiastic about my idea to return to Sector Beta, so I decided to try a little carrot-and-stick enticement...
     

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    Posted by Mark Nguyen (Member # 469) on :
     
    I never promised to finish Gamma - too busy to think ahead that far. I've got the general outline for what is SUPPOSED to happen there, but I don't see myself able to sit down and actuall write the rest of the scneario out first before posting, which is the only way I would like to do it. OTOH, I'd be willing to pass this outline onto someone who would like to finish it for me...
    
    I love this concept, and I dearly want to return to it - but Gamma is likely not to be finished by me. So you guys, you just go crazy.
    
    Mark
     

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    Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
     
    Now the fleet consists of:
    
    Renaissance-class USS Hornet
    Sabre-class USS Battleaxe
    Defiant-class USS Superb (with engine trouble)
    Miranda-class USS Runnymede
    Nova-class USS Quasar
    Oberth-class USS Feynman
    Istanbul-class USS Sofia
    Danube-class USS Yalu
    Danube-class USS Amur
    Danube-class USS Aisne
    
    3.a.(i) For Paladin181�s question, it appears that the Zemch have gone a somewhat different route in their technology, acquiring a subspace communications breakthrough before warp technology. From the repeated messages received, they are now convinced that there is intelligent life in the universe, and the government organization creation confirms that they have been significantly affected. If they seem to be an overall stable species (a Danube can be assigned with a team to collect information quickly), it is probably time to initiate contact with them (though this would be finally decided by upper-level admirals, I would recommend yes if they are stable). Perhaps there is precedent for this if a species discovered spectra of another planet with altered atmosphere? At any rate, if they have a government organization and a subspace breakthrough, it is probably time to significantly revise estimates of when they will have warp drive (they might now get it by the time the paperwork is done).
    
    (ii) For Tim�s question, the answer would be absolutely not! If the entire sector is 20 cubic light years, then those stars in the Zemch system are really close (even assuming you mean each side is 20 light years in the first post � was this already mentioned?). That means that if the Rtsonamans even damage, much less destroy, the star, things will get very irradiated in Zemch-land quite soon. It seems that their research isn�t solid enough to confirm that the star will remain in good condition. However, perhaps a greater research effort could be put into these decaying stars, since in 300 years, the star exploding would affect the Zemch homeworld and other stars in the area too.
    
    3.b. Though this is an internal matter, the Federation should strongly suggest that negotiations between the parties be initiated (an attack when other options might exist would not be looked upon kindly when considering Federation membership). Meanwhile, the Federation citizens must be evacuated, even if it means a full-scale raid (the prime directive no longer applies if the Federations citizens are hostages). The Sofia with a complement of security forces from the starbase can handle this situation. If possible, perhaps and agreement can be reached allowing the evacuation of all willing colonists (the rebels might be content with holding an important piece of the economy hostage).
    
    3.c. Why did the captain take scans of the vessel without mentioning it in his report? This warrants a full investigation. Meanwhile, after waiting for the crewmembers drunkenness to pass, we can inform him that it would be wise to turn over the information, lest his captain learn that he offered the scans. Of course, his captain might have told him to offer them in the first place. There are many possibilities, so hopefully the investigation will uncover more specifics. If the crewman is willing to offer the scans, the most he could expect is perhaps a favor of our choosing sometime in the future. Barring any kind of tricky business, I doubt a few low-quality scans are very valuable, though, so not much would be offered.
    
    3.d. Uh oh, maybe I should have taken more ships� At any rate, negotiations would be pursued with the Gorn. The Federation would be willing to offer other nearby stars suitable for colonization, but not the Zemch zone. As an added bonus, information could be provided about the other star systems from the recent surveys, perhaps making it better for the Gorn to colonize an area in which they have more information about. It would be recommended that high-level negotiations be held between the two governments, and the Gorn colonization postponed until the negotiations are concluded. Nevertheless, the situation might degenerate. All combat capable vessels would be ordered to the area (all but the the Sofia , the Feynman , and two Danubes, which have other duties or are too far away) and set to red alert on contact with the Gorn. The Superb would take awhile to meet the Gorn, so the concentration point would have to be in the Zemch trusteeship itself.
    If the Gorn begin colonization operations after a final warning on arrival at their destination, then the Federation would have no choice but to attack. A sudden strike would be launched targeting the Gorn weapons systems of the battlecruiser with all ships. Then as the battle proceeds, the Federation should be more concerned with destroying the Gorn�s combat capability (weapons and shields) then destroying them completely. However, if the Gorn appear to be fighting to destroy rather then disable the Federation ships, then the Federation would return the favor if tactically advisable. After the initial strike, if the battlecruiser is disabled, it should go fairly quickly. Otherwise (or if the Gorn strike first), the Battleaxe would deal with one of the light cruisers, the Runnymede and Quasar the other, and the Hornet and Superb the battlecruiser. Hopefully the Gorn would withdraw if their primary ship was sufficiently damaged.
     

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    Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
     
    Wait, the rest of the ships arrived already?
    
    Hmph. Why didn't their captains report in? Did I forget to apply deodorant again? I swear, eyes will roll. I mean heads. Heads will roll.
    
    Timo Saloniemi
     

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    Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
     
    Everyone was got their ships; I just wanted to be popular...
    
    Technically, 2b quesiton implies that enough time passed that the ships might have arrived, but there is really no confirmation...
     

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    Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
     
    

    quote:

    ---

    Originally posted by Timo:
    Wait, the rest of the ships arrived already?

    ---

    Re-read part four of the last question.
     

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    Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
     
    Question Four rolls this weekend. You have been warned.
     

    ---

    Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
     
    QUESTION FOUR (three parts)
    
    
    • Both sides in the Dorzan conflict have accepted your offer of Federation mediatorship. Of course, as usual, nothing comes easy. The Dorzan government will not accept anyone over the age of 30 while the rebels refuse to accept a mediator under they age of 45. A brilliant solution came to your mind, but after checking with Starfleet Command it's shot down--there simply are no El-Aurians within a 5-sector radius. The longer you wait, the testier both sides get: the Dorzans are chomping at the bit to send in the clow--er, troops, & the rebels are willing to wait until everyone on the colony is over 40. Both sides respect your command authority but it's evident that you are not the choice to mediate. Solve for x.
      
      
    • The Gorn have been stopped for the moment half a light-year from the ZTZ border. Placations & barbs have been traded between your fleet commander & theirs, & it's a standoff that would make Pancho Villa beam in pride. But of course it can't stay static: the morning intelligence briefing is headlined by a flash action message from Starfleet Intelligence. Their listening posts along the Gorn border have intercepted orders from Gorn High Command for a heavy assault force dispatched to your backyard to knock over the Federation force blocking their way.
      
      Since the force was already underway & given time for decryption, Intelligence estimates that the Gorn reinforcements will cross the sector border in 2 days, be at the ZTZ in about a week. A Starfleet rapid-response fleet is available, but should they leave immediately, they would still only arrive in about 10 days. You adjutant points out that the Dorzan military is available for drafting under the current terms of treaty governing their protectorate status as a last resort should the sector commander feel that Dorza is threatened. Plan your defense. Describe your elements & reasons for their usage.
      
      
    • In all the running around, somehow the Semmans have snuck a task force out of their area; it wasn't even noticed until a small courier noticed it & notified Starbase 403. Long-range scans identify it as a force of about 5 vessels, size & composition unknown. Extrapolated course tracks show them headed for....you guessed it. It's just not your day, is it?
       

      ---

      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      ==Part 1==
      
      Dang, now I wish I'd paid more attention in my xenobiology classes. I've got a couple of ideas, but I don't know if they're likely to work. One possibility would be to recruit a couple of Bynars, but I'm not sure how their pair bonds work. Are they usually the same age? Can they change their bonds easily, or is their pairing like a lifelong mating bond? If it's the former, then I'd recruit a pair, one who fit the government's demands, and the other who fit the rebels' demands. They would effectively function as a single mediator, though, through their telepathic connection.
      
      I had another idea, but unfortunately no one on my personal staff was willing to subject themselves to a "Rascals"-style transporter accident.
      
      Maybe I could find a "young" Vulcan... (wasn't T'Pol around 66 Earth years?). One who could easily pass for a 35-year-old on Dorza, but is numerically far older.
      
      Assuming my Bynar and Vulcan solutions don't pan out, I will point out to both sides that a compromise is a solution that both sides can accept, but that neither is satisfied with. I'll gently point out that if they're serious about some kind of diplomatic solution, then they'll each have to make some kind of concession. I'll try to get someone acceptable around the age of 35 or so.
      
      Finally, if all else fails, I'll simply demand the safety of the Federation citizens (if they haven't already been retrieved from the colony), and wash my hands of the matter. The Federation has no direct jurisdiction, the government obviously would rather settle the dispute by force, and we don't have the authority to hold them off. I'll try to force a continuation of the stalemate by threatening the Dorzan government with a souring of relations with the Federation if they choose to launch an attack, but that's about all I can do.
      
      ==Part 2==
      
      I'm going to have to operate on the assumption that the Gorn are planning a feint, or are otherwise bluffing, and that they're mainly intending to test Federation resolve to see if we back down without a fight. I'm going to put up a vigorous defense, and hope that they're not looking to make an enemy of the Federation right now. However, if they manage to establish a beachhead on any of the planets, then it's obviously going to end up being the purview of the diplomats.
      
      Therefore, I'll be calling in every single ship in the sector. Even the Grand Teton will be drafted to serve as an ad hoc carrier for my twelve Peregrines. To review my forces:
      
      * USS Heracles, Akira class, NCC-62504
      * USS Paladin, Intrepid class, NCC-74836
      * USS Proteus, Saber class, NCC-61998
      * USS Bayreuth, Saber class, NCC-61949
      * USS Antietam, Defiant class, NCC-76874
      * USS Cheng Ho, Nova class, NCC-72389
      * USS Dakota, Nova class, NCC-73617
      * USS Runnymede, Miranda Class, NCC-15017
      * USS Grand Teton, Istanbul class, NCC-38411
      * 114th Fighter Squadron, 12 Peregrine-class heavy fighters
      
      So, I've got five fully combat-capable vessels, two modern scouts that can fight in a pinch, a combustible flying human shield, and an unarmed tin can with a dozen fighters that may or may not be effective against Gorn warships.
      
      Cheng Ho (Nova) will be dispatched to establish an early-warning perimeter, performing long-range scans to get advance notice of the size, composition, and ETA of the Gorn fleet. Their orders will be to return to fleet as soon as the incoming Gorn are detected.
      
      The key to any defense will be a limited but strong strike against the transport itself. If the transport can be disabled, then their whole mission will be delayed until more Starfleet support can arrive. Therefore, I will attempt to force the issue before the reinforcements arrive. I will transmit advance notice that if we detect the approach of any new military vessels, we will launch a preemptive strike against their forces in our own defense. I'll make it sound military to them, as if I'd be focusing on taking out their escorting warships, but I'll really be aiming to stall the transport.
      
      My five combat ships can easily pin down the three Gorn warships long enough for the 114th to slip in and make a quick surgical strike against the transport's engines, leaving her completely dead in space but with minimal injuries and hopefully no casualties. Thus, any further incursion into the ZTZ would be pointless for the next week or two, as far as the Gorn would be concerned.
      
      Meanwhile, the Dakota (Nova) is going to be busy getting ready my backup plan... nothing quite as inspired as James Kirk's infamous Corbomite bluff, sadly, but hopefully one that's effective. Dakota will begin projecting increased warp fields and launch a few accompanying decoy probes equipped with verterium cortenide ingots to create enough sensor resonance on the Gorn's instruments to make it seem like the Starfleet reinforcements are arriving sooner than expected. The decoys will be a couple of light-years out, hopefully close enough to seem threatening (to make the Gorn think they can't win before our help arrives), but far enough for them to be tough to detect and to not discover the deception.
      
      Finally, I'll send in an emergency request for Klingon assistance... legally, the ZTZ is Federation territory, so I'm perfectly within my rights to request their assistance under the terms of the Second Khitomer Accords for defense. If I'm lucky, a few ships might be close enough to help in time.
      
      Oh yeah, the Dorzans. Meh. This isn't their fight, they're not under threat, so I won't ask for their help. They obviously have no respect for the Prime Directive anyway...
      
      ==Part 3==
      
      The Semmans definitely get the benefit of the doubt, because of the extremely limited contact they've had with the Federation; although we might've sent them a copy of the Encyclopedia Galactica a while back, they probably haven't read it all the way through. So I will send Runnymede out to intercept the fleet and politely inform them that the ZTZ is restricted territory, reserved for the Zemch. I'll gently offer to provide them information on YS-2 or KM-45 (the two other unclaimed, habitable worlds in the sector, since AJ-946 is now [probably] a recognized territory of the Gorn Hegemony) for settlement purposes.
      
      (It's too much to hope that the Semman ships are coming to assist in blockading the Gorn, I imagine?)
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      "...a combustible flying human shield..."
      
      Man...you REALLY hate that Miranda, don't you? Makes me giggle.
       

      ---

      Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
       
      ==Q4a==
      
      To solve the impossible equation, I could in theory invoke imaginary numbers and send in the holograms that are currently toiling at Semma. Let the two sides sort out whether the holo-ambassador really is the two-year-old vigorous AI, or the 27- and 85-year-old ambassadors it portrays on alternate days, or perhaps the sage bicentenarian Vulcan the AI draws its inspiration from.
      
      However, I have no patience for such nonsense. My diplomatic staff, along with my other personnel, was expected to receive the best in young whippersnappers, and I assume their coming aboard is what delayed my fleet from arriving in time for Question 3. (Either that, or then only the fleet's desperate "404 not found" message made SF HQ realize they had made a minor clerical error in despatching the ships to my starbase.) My best and brightest negotiators will be shipping to Dorza to assist Capt. Henschel, quite regardless of their age.
      
      Their ride will be the Balmoran, one of my Saber troubleshooters. Also shipping on the Balmoran is a strike team from the Veracruz, rather more combat-hardened than the troops Henschel had available. I reiterate my angle on this: safety of the UFP hostages is paramount, my mediator services are universal, and any attempt at endangering the hostages with military antics will be met with a warner from my phasers.
      
      ==Q4b,c==
      
      The Gorn fleet is easily contained by my other two vintage cruisers despatched to the scene. As my starbase does not appear to be under direct threat, I also send away my other troubleshooter Katana and the Veracruz to effect a blockade around the Zemch reservate. The fighters from the latter vessel will help in expanding the blockade across an entire system, although I will wait and see before deciding on which system to protect. At first, the ships will face the Gorn side of the protectorate, but they can swiftly move to intercept the Semman expedition as well.
      
      Is there no headway in my efforts to approach the Semman cultures yet? At least my resident starship in the system should have been able to tell me a bit about the status of their starfleet, even without any close-up scans from untrustworthy informants. Perhaps I have actually found out that their ships can outrun a Nova, which is why my attempts in Q3 came to nought? Also, it would be crucial to know exactly where and at what speed the Semman expedition was observed.
      
      No matter. I believe I can handle the incursions one at a time. The Dorzans will not be involved, and their fleet will have more than enough to do with the rebellion anyway, now that the UFP also finally has a credible naval presence there and, despite my assurances to the contrary, might take sides if the Dorzans misbehaved.
      
      The Gorn in the first wave are agreeing with my terms so far by halting their advance. I now call for the second wave to do the same. If they do not comply within a time window that still allows me to deal with the Semmans separately (that is, if they will cross the sector border), I will accuse them of openly hostile intent, then proceed with neutralizing the initial three Gorn combatants and limpet-mining the transport. My hostages will be my first line of defense, my very public request for Starfleet assistance (and my underhanded disinformation campaign about its ETA) the second.
      
      As matters stand, I find it quite unlikely I will have to resort to the third, the hot ends of my own phasers. If push truly comes to shove, though, the three Gorn warships will be completely immobilized, and my local fleet will consolidate around my cruisers. The Runnymede and the Balmoran will move to extract the hostages, then be diverted to assist the fleet...
      
      ...And the Humason will be sent to the Zemch reservate to initiate contact. By the time she arrives, it will probably be high time for the Zemch to find out about the interstellar war looming above their heads. (In case matters develop too fast, the Veracruz can also initiate contact, as well as deploy defenses around the Zemch home rock.) But before the Humason sails out, she will directly engage the Sh'sh'l and the Zznjlii on the issue of their expedition to Zemch. What are they up to? In case of Gorn assault, are they interested in joint defense, even if the UFP will not promise any privileges on the Zemch reservate?
      
      Timo Saloniemi
       

      ---

      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Time to schedule a court martial. Looks like several admirals need to be charged with dereliction of duty!
       

      ---

      Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
       
      Sorry; I've been away. I'll have responses up shortly. Probably...
       

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      Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
       
      ...And, as promised...
      
      Question 3
      
      3a1) Timo�s scenario- I�m afraid I�m going to have to deny the Doctor�s request. The Zemch should achieve warp capability within 300 years and the resources of this system may be important to their development. In addition, the risks of the research involved seem disproportionate to the level of confidence in the theory behind it. His ship will be intercepted.
      
      3a2) Paladin�s scenario- If the youth managed to construct a subspace transmitter, then I�d certainly begin to accelerate planning for First Contact with the Zemch and investigations of their culture as outlined previously. Perhaps institute strict communications controls within their system to minimise future incidents of this sort. Perhaps fake a message from someone on the Zemch planet claiming responsibility for the messages and insert it into their planetary coms network.
      
      3b) Emphasise the Federation�s wish to act as negotiators, hinting to the Dorzans that a peaceful resolution would be beneficial to future membership negotiations. Likewise continue to offer Starfleet services as mediator to the rebels but quietly drop in the information about what would happen if any Federation citizens were harmed.
      
      At the same time I�d prepare a low impact retrieval mission and try and ascertain exactly where the Federation researchers are. Security forces would be deployed aboard Runnymede for this purpose.
      
      3c) I�d like to know exactly what price the crew member has in mind before deciding for certain. I�d slip him a couple of bottles of Romulan ale or a character reference if he�s nicked for being drunk in charge of a spacecraft something, but nothing too much. After all, I doubt a civvie ship would be able to match the sensor acuity of a Starfleet vessel or probe and seeing as how one of my Novas is going to be in system, I�d hope to get more definitive scans soon.
      
      3d) Given the established nature of the ZTZ and the Federation presence in the area, I will politely point out to the Gorn that they don�t really have much in the way of legal grounds for their claims. In addition I will make it clear that the Federation is willing to negotiate for systems that are uninhabited and not reserved for the Zemch.
      
      I will, of course, be doing this with the Palmerston, Thermistocles, Katana and Stormbringer in system. I will offer to escort the Gorn ships out of Federation protected space, in the direction of AJ-948 (which would probably be ceded). I may hint that it would be a pity to damage any of their nice, shiny ships and allude to the combat experience of my crews, but only if I have to.
      
      
      Question 4
      
      4a) Assuming no fancy xenobiological options are available (I don�t suppose there are any energy beings among my crews. No? ah well�) I�d just inform both sides that I was going to enforce a compromise and just split the difference and send someone in their late thirties. I would also make it clear that failure to accept these terms would not go down well with either me or the Federation. That would hopefully be enough to prod the two sides into negotiations.
      
      4b) Oh joy; more trouble with the green scaly ones. Well, either they�re bluffing or are serious about taking on the Federation. Personally, I�d guess the former; despite the losses of the Dominion War, Starfleet is still vastly more powerful than anything the Gorn can assemble. As a result I need to hold them off for around three days before reinforcements can arrive.
      
      All combat capable ships are to report to the area where the Gorn advance party is already sitting. Fortney will be dispatched to gather information about the size and composition of the Gorn force. Scott will do its best impression of a bit of vacuum around where the Federation fleet would be expected to come out of warp. If all else fails it, and as many EW drones as possible, will play the part of a Starfleet task force.
      
      I will also try to head off any confrontation by threatening the Gorn commander with pre-emptive action if his reinforcements do not turn around. My ships should be able to take his and hopefully he�ll recognise this, especially with a vulnerable colony ship to protect.
      
      Dorzan vessels will be called up to patrol the ZTZ and I will request help from any nearby allied combat vessels.
      
      4c) I�ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. Runnymede will transfer the security teams holding in her to Adrianople and will head out to explain the status of the ZTZ and escort them to a safe area.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Charges against Wraith have now been dropped in exchange for his cooperation with the investigation. Now to bring Harry, Neutrino, and Paladin to justice!
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      Curses, I thought we got a warning before the next one went up!
      
      How fast are each of the Gorn ships on the normal warp scale?
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      There WERE warnings.
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      Hmm, damn you Minutiaeman. I saw your post and thought the next question had been posted, but I�m still ahead�
      
      QUESTION FOUR:
      
      1. Why does there need to be one mediator? I propose two mediators of different ages. Or 10. The more mediators, the more moderation.
      Another solution would perhaps be bringing mediators that are older/younger then the limits, but younger/older in terms of developmental maturity.
      I wonder: would the rebels be willing to accept a younger mediator from the Federation, being told that the mediator�s sympathies lie with them? Finally, maybe the rebels are older, and can prove they have certain advantages over the younger people by being more mature and compromising closer to the governments point of view.
      Otherwise, previous Federation directives remain.
      
      2. Well, there�s really only one way to solve this. Me, and the Gorn admiral, on the contested planet� with lots of sulfer, saltpeter, and charcoal scattered about�
      
      Otherwise, this looks like a tricky situation� The Federation rapid reaction force should definitely be called for, and reinforcements are recommended to be sent from reserves to all sectors bordering the Gorn.
      Meanwhile, if the situation remains the same, and the Gorn reinforcements arrive and cross into the Zemch area, action must be taken. To protect Federation borders, a rapid strike on the colony ship will be enacted, targeting its warp systems. The warp abilities of other faster Gorn ships might be targeted as well. Then, a retreat would be conducted. If it appears that the Gorn could still have a powerful fast force (enough to hunt down the fleeing Federation ships), then a fake distress call could be sent from the starbase, and the slower ships dispatched to deal with it.
      
      In the mean time, it looks like there might be other options. The Dorzans are certainly trying to get Federation membership, and they would most definitely care about what goes on in the sector. Thus, their government would be informed of the situation. The Federation should not order their forces be mobilized since this does not directly affect Dorza. However, we will encourage them to take part in the defense of the sector. Furthermore, this could be an excellent excuse to the Dorzan government to push their rebel problem to the sidelines, out of public view, possibly allowing them to compromise more on that situation.
      
      3. Finally, the Semmans are welcome to help defend the sector. However, a good defense requires coordination, so unless they sent five Sovereign-equivalents, they might be willing to communicate (the attempt would certainly be made � over a secure, direct channel to prevent the Gorn from gaining any information).
      Of course, the Semmans might be going there to claim the sector for themselves. In this case, the Federation should institute a major buildup in this sector, with a conflict between the Semmans and Gorn hopefully buying enough time to do this.
       

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      Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
       
      I wasn't feeling to insipred when I first read the question, so I put it off and then put it off some more. Now I feel like I have some worthy responses.
      
      Q4a:
      In order to compromise I will appoint an officer of my staff that is the median age, but also two officers one young and one old who will also be present to be direct mediators with each side. I would still be the final say in all matters, so this officer would be more of a representative. The older delegate will try to connect with the rebel Dorzans, establishing contact with them; while the younger delegate will try to ascertain the Dorzan governments potential actions and punishment for the rebel leaders.
      
      Q4b:
      I would call for the Starfleet Quick Response force, better late than never. The Gorn already in the sector would be held there by my forces and told if they move one iota they�ll be fired on. My Nova�s that are acting as a shadow fleet on the Gorn�s flank will continue to give this impression until I would ask the Dorzan military to send some ships, as well as moving my Istanbul�s at 403, to link up with the Nova�s and continue the ruse. The Nova�s would then move to intercept the Gorn reinforcements and gather intelligence. Once the Nova�s had collected significant intelligence they would move closer into Gorn sensor range, creating a network around them, and then blasting them with as much interference as they can. This is in hopes of slowing and confusing them enough for the RRF to make it for the big party.
      
      Q4c:
      I�m assuming this is happening at a different time then the Gorn incident. As such, I would divide my forces in to two groups. The Intercepting Group, made up of the Runnymede and Minigamo, will meet the Semman ships and inform them of the Reserve status of the ZRZ. The Blockade group, made up of all the other combat ready ships would move into the space just outside of the Semman homeworld. They would also inform the Semmans that the ZRZ is reserved. The Semman task force is welcome to pass back into Semman space, but no ships will leave the system until they return. The blocking group will move in closer and closer until the either the task force returns or the blockade group has to demonstrate its firepower on some local asteroid or defense platforms.
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      You need to answer Question Three yet, good sir.
      
      Question Five will post pending my receipt of a requested resource & my ability to get to a computer. Things are...wonky.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      (I missed this comment before...)
      

      quote:

      ---

      Originally posted by Shik:
      "...a combustible flying human shield..."
      
      Man...you REALLY hate that Miranda, don't you? Makes me giggle.

      ---

      It's called hyperbole. It's a valid literary device used to establish and underscore an opinion or statement through exaggeration, often also designed to evoke a reaction.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Also: Neutrino gets let off with probation in a plea bargain, and Paladin gets sent to the stockade for contempt of court. We've got an APB out on Harry, now, too.
       

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      Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
       
      I've answered question three.
      
      Additionally MM, I have nothing but contempt for this court.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Update: Paladin's citation for contempt is overturned on appeal with the presenting of new evidence. The court researcher who reported that he hadn't answered question three will be fired, then mummified in red tape and shot out of the starbase's torpedo launcher. Oh, and we're preparing to issue "shoot to kill" orders in the event that we finally track down Admiral Harry...
       

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      Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
       
      HURRAY!!! The system works!!
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      QUESTION FIVE (four parts)
      
      1: The Gorn heavy fleet has entered the sector from the "upper right" & are gunning for bear. Starfleet sensor probes have noted 20 separate warp signatures & analysts have determined the compostion of the heavy fleet as the following:
      • two (2) battleships [Negh'Var equivalent]
        
      • four (4) battlecruisers [Vor'cha equivalent]
        
      • six (6) cruisers [Akira equivalent]
        
      • four (4) frigates [Steamrunner equivalent]
        
      • four (4) destroyers [Bird-of-Prey equivalent]
        
      • Additionally, each battleship of this class is known to embark 15-25 attack scouts [Gemini or Peregrine equivalent]
      
      There is no doubt: they will be reinforcing the expeditionary force in the next 3 days. How will your fleet deploy to handle this numerically superior force? Will they redeploy at all? What (if any) diplomatic measures have/are you taken/taking?
      
      2: All is not entirely lost. Starfleet has monitored the situation & the Quadrant Commander has sent you reinforcements as well in the form of the 29th & 96th Rapid Response Squadrons. Each squadron is 6 vessels, comprised of 2 frigates, 3 destroyers, & a scout. The complement of each is as follows:
      
      29th Rapid Response Squadron
      • USS New Kashmir (NCC-65103), Bastille-class frigate
        
      • USS Hong Kong Luna (NCC-72863), Steamrunner-class frigate
        
      • USS Ean Mara (NCC-80005), Minerva-class destroyer
        
      • USS Kuan Yin (NCC-30681), Lirpa-class destroyer
        
      • USS Sindhukesari (NCC-48092), Freedom-class destroyer
        
      • USS Shratok (NCC-81297), Peashooter-class scout
      
      96th Rapid Response Squadron
      • USS Basilisk (NCC-62384), New Orleans-class frigate
        
      • USS Orlog Viun (NCC-45117), Decker-class frigate
        
      • USS Tek'lar (NCC-55438), Juno-class destroyer
        
      • USS Phooka (NCC-75819), Norway-class destroyer
        
      • USS Silversides (NCC-19576), Swiften-class destroyer
        
      • USS Eelos (NCC-78510), Gemini-class scout
      
      In command of both squadrons is Fleet Captain Vehnil Shaala, an Andorian with broad border experience & well-known for a tactical genius. Six years earlier, he was a lieutenant at the outbreak of the Dominion War & was rapidly promoted through the ranks due to his actions in battle. A seasoned verteran of the Battle of Tyra, the Kalandra Sector Offensive, & the Pullock raid, FCPT Shaala has a reputation for being as quick to calm as he is to the gun. He is embarked aboard Basilisk & is in continuous contact with you.
      
      The bad news is that the RRF will not arrive for another 5 days--two days after the Gorn get in. However, FCPT Shaala is aware of the enemy composition & wishes to begin tactical planning en route. Describe your battle plan. Describe actions to be taken & rationales behind them. Finally, although these ships are under FCPT Shaala's command & he is an excellent tactician, he has never fought the Gorn before. Do you go to the front & take command of the entire fleet? Do you command only your standing fleet & coordinate with the RRF? Do you let FCPT Shaala take overall command?
      
      3: You were able to find a mediator to satsify both sides in the Dorzan crisis & for the past week the talks seem to have been going well until a long hard day of where no progress is made. Near the end of the day, the Dorzan governmental delegation storms out of the talks. The next day, it is reported that the rebels have killed a hostage, but their representatives insist it was an accidental death. The crisis flares anew and mere hours after the announcement, your intelligence chief runs into your office & reports that the Dorzans have launched assault ships. To add fuel, his moles report that the government plans to simply lay waste to the area & level the entire colony. What actions to do take (or not)? Will you be able to pull it off & still uphold the Prime Directive?
      
      4: Another blip from the head of sector operations. Good news! The Semman ships (numbering 3) are NOT entering the Trusteeship Zone. Bad news: they DO seem to be headed for the blockade point. Were you born under an unlucky sign or something?
      
      
      And a slight giftie: The Monsieur of Minutiae has given us a lovely close-up map of the ZTZ including expected attack routes. Please note that the Gorn force is not INSIDE the ZTZ but rather above" it at the border; the 2D planar nature of this map only makes it seem that they have violated. They have not.
      
      And maybe if he's nice & you ask politely, he'll make you one without the route markers for you to make battle plan graphics with if you like.
       

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      Posted by Paladin181 (Member # 833) on :
       
      Q5a & b:
      Regretting having so many of those Istanbul�s right about now. Well questions one and two kinda go hand in hand. But first I�ll mention the diplomatic efforts being made.
      The Diplomatic Corps was of course appraised of the situation and encouraged to begin the defusing process. I�ve also asked Intelligence to delve into why the Gorn are interested in the ZTZ now (other than to get me all riled up). Operations wise I would recommend putting pressure along the Gorn/UFP border sectors.
      I however work under the understanding that the Gorn don�t do a whole lot of things that make a lick�a sense or by any rules that could be construed as civilized. As to whom is in command, FCPT Shaala will control his Task Force while I will use mine to slow the Gorn advance long enough for Shaala to get there. Once we�ve connected he�ll take overall tactical command of both fleets.
      In order to perform this holding action I must therefore move against the Gorn fleet at the ZTZ border. My first act would be to disable the Gorn ships at the blockade, calling my Istanbuls to take the prisoners to 403 and then putting skeleton crews on the Gorn ships. Packing the Gorn ships with explosives and either manning them for a one way trip or using holograms and remote control I�ll send the Gorn ships back to the Gorn fleet. I�ll make no effort to hide where we are and I�ll use the Gorn ships to transmit a short range distress signal telling the Gorn fleet that they�re running back to the safety of the fleet. Once in the fleets perimeter the captured Gorn ships will open fire and crash into the battleships and battlecruisers. This should thin out the Gorn ships. I would then transmit a message similar to �Neener! Neener! Neeener!� and with luck this will cause the Gorn fleet to change course and pursue.
      We�ll lead them further from the ZTZ, but not enough to cause Shaala�s Task Force additional travel time. It�ll be a tough balance, but the goal is to present the Gorn�s flank to Shaala right before the Gorn finally catch up with my own task force. As I said earlier, Shaala will take overall tactical command of the fleets. I will offer the Gorn the chance to leave, returning their ships to them, and allowing two ships to transport the Gorn prisoners from 403 back to Gornland. The other option involves Fleet Captain Shaala forcibly removing the Gorn from the sector.
      Now if you�ll remember, I had asked the Dorzan�s to act as a part of my shadow fleet to confuse the Gorn, I would ask them to escort the Istanbul�s back to 403 and hang around there for a few days; my wishes are to use them in a non-combat role and after the first battle there will be nothing but combat.
      
      Q5c:
      I would move my ships into the middle, between the outpost and the Dorzan ships. I would demand an immediate stand-down or any chance of entering the Federation will be lost and aggressive action would have to be taken to ensure the Federation personnel/hostages are safe. The Rebels would not be free of my wraith a Starfleet medical team would have to be allowed in to treat the hostages and be observers as to their treatment. Any critical medical cases would have to be evacuated immediately. Four hostages would also have to be released as a sign of good faith (two Dozans and two UFP citizens). This is non-negotiable. Both sides must be at the table the next day.
      
      Q5d:
      Such good news!! And to make sure it really is good news I�ll send two of my Nova�s to make contact (since all my other ships are in combat by now). The Nova�s will learn of the Semman�s intent � if to help then they will be added to FCPT Shaala�s fleet but if they come to add trouble the Nova�s will warp past them straight for Semma. It�s doubtful the Semman�s will know the Nova�s capabilities so they should follow them back to their home world. By then the rest of the fleet should be able to respond.
       

      ---

      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      == Part One ==
      
      Woah! Is this a border skirmish or a reenactment of the Dominion War? If the Gorn are planning a bluff, this is one hell of a bluff! This changes my strategy, kinda in the same way that a runabout reverses course when it sees a Borg cube coming. (Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get my drift?)
      
      There's no way that my fleet could possibly hold a blockade against this kind of force, assuming the Gorn want to actually fight it out. Sure, my fleet will have the obvious advantage of smaller size and extreme maneuverability, but I'm quite sure that those battlewagons will be packing plenty of firepower. The best we could possibly do is try to buy time by disabling the colony transport as originally planned, but then immediately retreating back to Starbase 403. There's little point in the Gorn actually invading the ZTZ, since most of the materiel will be on the transport (although I'd bet that the battlewagons probably have the resources to set up some kind of military outpost).
      
      Hmm... on second thought, one could argue that the large size of the Gorn fleet is intended to be a show of force to try to get me to back down. I'll be burning up the comm lines to Starfleet Intelligence to see if there's any other, similar activity along the other sectors of the Gorn frontier. If there is some activity, then the Gorn are obviously planning to take on the Federation. But if not, then it's got to be a bluff. Or at worst, something that the Gorn don't intend to escalate beyond the level of a border skirmish. So potentially, there's the chance that preemptively striking the advance force before the reinforcements arrive will end up calling the whole thing off.
      
      Diplomatic overtures will become much more insistent. I will reiterate that if the reinforcements don't turn around and go home, I will be forced to act in self-defense. There will be an ultimatum sent, giving them 48 hours (or rather, until the reinforcements are 24 hours away from arrival) to withdraw. I will also reiterate my offer to recognize the Gorn claim to AJ-946, the habitable world outside the ZTZ, so that the Gorn colonists' trip out this way won't be in vain. Just to show that I'm deadly serious about the timing of my ultimatum, I will have my comm officer continuously broadcast an old tune from an ancient Earth entertainment program called Jeopardy! until they reach a decision.
      
      And finally, I'll be burning the comm lines to San Francisco, wondering why the hell the Federation Council hasn't gotten involved in this situation!
      
      It occurs to me that I should justify my reasons for launching a preemptive strike before the Gorn reinforcements arrive. Certainly part of it is the numbers issue, since I'd have no chance of winning a straight fight if I just waited for the Gorn to come. But also, I want to launch an active defense (i.e. "the best defense is a good offense") in the hopes of convincing the Gorn that the Federation is willing to defend any part of its territory, even one that's "just" a Prime Directive Trusteeship. It's psychology and brinksmanship, based on the knowledge that the Gorn really don't have a hope of winning any long-term conflict with the Federation. (Especially since we'd also get the Klingons involved in any full-scale war.)
      
      == Part Two ==
      
      Finally, some good news. Except, jeez� It seems I'm going to be rescued by Frankenstein's fleet! What kind of hallucinogenics were the starship designers taking when they laid down the specs for those classes? And where can I get some? (No, scratch that� I don't want my sense of perspective and spatial orientation distorted that badly.)
      
      Anyway... this also revises my plan somewhat. Obviously my extant forces won't be able to hold off the entire Gorn fleet, but now I've got a fighting chance. The initial part of the plan will proceed as before � if the Gorn haven't turned around by the time they're 24 hours away, I'm launching a preemptive strike. My five combat ships will pin down and disable the three escorting warships, while the 114th Fighter Squadron performs surgical strikes on the transport, doing as much damage as possible to the engines without endangering the civilians inside. The important part here, is to ensure that the transport and the civilians don't go anywhere, thus ensuring that any further combat isn't complicated by the presence of civilians. I have no reservations about bombarding any military outpost from orbit, but a civilian colony is completely different. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself here.
      
      After the preemptive strike is complete, I will effect a retreat of all my forces back to G5-Q25, approximately 4LY away to the "west." The Starfleet RRF will be able to rendezvous with my forces right there, approximately one day later. Thus, we'll be able to form up into a single, cohesive unit and immediately charge back into the ZTZ to meet the Gorn, hopefully before they get their act together and land on any of the planets. (I'm going to assume that the Gorn want to leave Zemch itself alone... their current forces aren't nearly enough for any kind of planetary invasion, even if it's a pre-warp culture. Plus, that wouldn't be worth their while when there are four other habitable systems they think are worth fighting over. Thus, I probably shouldn't have to worry about any immediate Prime Directive concerns for this immediate engagement.)
      
      At that point, the Gorn will have had about two days to get their act together, from the arrival of their reinforcements at the original confrontation point. (That'd be three days from the time I launched my attack.) If they simply stay put and cluster around their disabled ships, we'll reestablish the blockade. If they enter the ZTZ, the intercept time will be shorter, but their arrival in any of the star systems (most likely to be CD-183, since it's the closest to the confrontation point) will be close enough to the arrival of our forces that they won't be able to entrench themselves anywhere. And at that point, all we have to do is make too much trouble for the Gorn to think it worthwhile to set up an outpost there.
      
      Just to be clear, the main goal of the retreat after my preemptive strike is that I don't want my own fleet anywhere nearby when the Gorn reinforcements arrive. No way can I possibly hold the blockade outnumbered four to one.
      
      TIMETABLE:
      D+0: Gorn are one day away, Starfleet three days away, from confrontation point (CP). Starfleet is only two days away from G5-Q25, the rendezvous point (RP). I launch my preemptive strike and immediately retreat to RP.
      D+1: Gorn arrive at CP, I arrive at RP. Starfleet is one day away from RP.
      D+2: Starfleet joins my fleet at RP, and we head back into the ZTZ.
      D+3: Starfleet returns to CP to reestablish blockade, or intercepts Gorn force inside ZTZ.
      
      Also, as with my command in Sector Beta, I'm perfectly willing to have Captain Shaala take overall command of the tactical side of combat, while I retain full charge of the strategic side of the operation. (This is a decision not without precedent... after all, I'm pretty sure that there had to be an admiral or two somewhere in the 600+ fleet that went to retake Deep Space 9 during the Dominion War, yet the force was commanded by Captain Sisko.)
      
      == Part Three ==
      
      Meh, fanatics on both sides. Are there still Federation citizens on the colony, or were they successfully evacuated? (Shik, an answer will be needed.)
      
      If we were unable to extract the Federation citizens, then I'll send Runnymede back to the Dorzan system, and I'll declare my right to intervene in order to defend Federation citizens. I'll spend an hour or two sending some nastygrams to the Dorzan government, demanding that they halt their assault and threatening just about everything short of actual war. Obviously the Runnymede, being two days distant, won't be able to do anything to intervene if the Dorzans decide to blow me off, but hopefully the Dorzans will be smart. If not, Runnymede will do what it can to rescue any survivors, Federation and rebels both.
      
      If the Federation citizens are already extracted, then I'll keep Runnymede for the Gorn engagement. Although I obviously would like to stop the apparently imminent Dorzan slaughter, I can't justify endangering my officer's lives to violate the Prime Directive when the rest of my fleet is fighting to protect the Prime Directive. (Because even a combustible flying human shield might be able to account for a fighter or two before it spontaneously explodes from one of the Gorn pilots looking at it cross-eyed. ) Therefore, I'll threaten the Dorzan government with a complete severance of trade relations with the Federation, as well as a complete rejection of their Federation membership application (rather than just a postponement), if they initiate any hostile action against the rebels at this time.
      
      == Part Four ==
      
      The Semmans seem rather likely to be intending to contribute to the defense of the ZTZ. Unless they've made some kind of pact with the Gorn that we don't know about (something I find highly unlikely), then they're probably here to help protect one of their neighbors. Considering how little we know of them and their technology, they've probably been monitoring the situation and realized the critical nature. Promising. I'll try to establish contact with them, if possible, if only to determine their intentions. Assuming they're friendly, I'll also keep them appraised of our rough strategy and get them involved in some way, try to coordinate. If not, I'm simply going to leave them out of the equation until they start shooting at me.
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      Um...no, the Fed citizens were not extracted & it's not much likely you'd be able to do it, either.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Well then, why didn't my adjutant say so? When I said I wanted every ship in the sector to rush out to the ZTZ, why the heck didn't he remind me about the status of the of the extraction mission? Why didn't the captain of the Runnymede call to confirm the orders before abandoning the helpless Federation citizens? Jeez, it's like everyone out there is doing exactly what I say and nothing more, as if they're nothing but figments of my imagination!
      
      Some days, I really wish I could institute some Klingon-style discipline in my command structure. But then I realize, my officers would probably assassinate me if I pissed them off too much. Ah, well.
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      Maybe Yakuza or Triad-style discipline is better.
      
      It's simply that it's been 3 weeks since the capture & if you had spotty intel then, it's air-based now. Unless your security forces LIKE playing live-action Doom....
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Hmm... Live-action Doom on the holodeck...
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      Q6 rolls on Friday. Cet your shit together.
       

      ---

      Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
       
      ===Q5a===
      
      Well, well. The Gorn have now defied my ultimatum by crossing the sector border, without making any sort of attempt at contacting me, Starfleet or the Federation. And if this is a bluff, they've got the royal flush to bluff with.
      
      Two choices here. I could call their bluff, wait until they arrive, see how they react to the fact that their transport now is one keypress away from being space dust. Or I could assume the worst, eliminate their resident forces, do my best to hurt their reinforcements, and THEN call their bluff.
      
      As I announce my choice of option two, my staff raises three cheers and begins to sing a rather indecent little lizard-themed song that became popular during the Dominion war.
      
      My three cruisers fire in unison to reduce the Gorn battle cruiser to inert metal, then activate the first of the limpet mines to immobilize their transport. They then hail the two frigates, inform them that they are in violation of the ZTZ terms (as recently defined by me), and proceed to deprive them of propulsive power as well, assisted by the arrival of my own frigate and tender/assaulter. The latter begins interning survivors from the Gorn vessels, as well as launching a boarding action against the transport.
      
      In the big scheme of things, the little skirmish is tactically meaningless. But in that scheme, the Gorn can hardly expect to win a war against the UFP. The action should at least get them talking, even if it is just heated protests or venomous threats. And that is the prerequisite for doing any diplomacy with them.
      
      ===Q5b===
      
      My resident force has no hope of engaging the Gorn head-on in decisive battle. On the other hand, the reinforcements don't have any ships capable of staring down Gorn battleships, either. Not only do I have to delay the Gorn somehow, I also have to divide their forces.
      
      As our side is already split and scattered about space and time, I choose to merely coordinate with the RRF. Making sure sufficient encryption is in use, I tell FCPT Shaala that the Katana will escort the Gorn transport from the ZTZ to SB 403, steering well clear of the ZTZ and thus exposing the little convoy to action by fast Gorn units that might wish to split from their main force. If such splitting does take place, my cruiser force will move to cut them off from the main force - that is, moving between the fast and slow units. If that doesn't prompt the Gorn to try pincers on me, diverting the main forces from the ZTZ for a crucial day or two, then nothing will...
      
      If I get the Gorn moving with those actions, I keep them moving, avoiding direct confrontation as long as possible. In the classic Cowardly Retreat Maneuver Delta, I make use of further limpet mines in order to score the odd hit on my pursuers.
      
      In the meantime, I advise Shaala to make best possible speed through the ZTZ and engage the main Gorn forces from their rear. Shaala's greater tactical freedom of movement should help him knock out the big battlewagons when they are still engaged in the pincers maneuver.
      
      Naturally, I expect the Gorn to see reason at some point, as I constantly remind them that their transport is now under my control and will only be returned intact if the Gorn fleet ceases and desists.
      
      In any case, the plan will leave my starbase (where I still comfortably sit behind my desk, exuding confidence) rather exposed. It will also offer little defense for the Dorzans if the Gorn decide to proceed in that direction - so I advise the government of the approaching threat and suggest a ceasefire on the rebellion front, as well as a mobilization of a defensive front based around the Runnymede. The Balmoran, still rather foolishly deployed in the Dorza system, will head back to the starbase to provide it with active defenses.
      
      ===Q5c===
      
      Belay those recall orders!
      
      There is little I can do to force the hand of the Dorzan government. If they are unwilling to postpone their attack on the rebels even in face of the grave external threat, no carrot will be of help. As for sticks, I order Capt. Henschel to proceed with the UFP hostage extraction mission, while informing the Dorzan government that in order to secure that mission, my forces will for the time being stop the government assault, by force of my two starships if necessary. As soon as my raid proceeds past its critical point, I will inform the rebels of my temporary protection of their planet.
      
      As soon as the UFP hostages are aboard the Runnymede, I repeat the offer for further negotiations, while finally dispatching the Balmoran to the starbase, where I will transfer my flag aboard her.
      
      ===Q5d===
      
      No matter what the Semman intentions, they will provide further distraction for the Gorn...
      
      If my holographic mission to the homeworld still produces no intelligence of worth, I prepare to withdraw the Humason and send her to initiate First Contact with the Zemch. Now is as good a time as any. If, on the other hand, an opening finally presents itself for talks, I want to make sure what the Semman force is up to, in terms of intentions and capabilities. The latter are of no use for me if I don't know the former.
      
      If my luck finally turns and the ships are of tactical worth and willing to help, the addition of a third attack formation to hit the Gorn rear could prove decisive. The Semmans would in fact be the first such formation to get a shot at it. I plead them to take that shot, and join in a unified defensive front for the sector.
      
      Depending on the course of events, I will then sail either to supervise First Contact at Zemch, to open formal diplomatic relations with the Semmans, or to personally command the last dregs of my battered fleet in valiant but futile defense against the Gorn.
      
      Timo Saloniemi
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      Wow, the above responses are very aggressive. They might work in some situations, but this is the FEDERATION, people. A pre-emptive strike on a force in neutral space is still an act of war, and there is no guarantee that the Gorn will actually attack. The Federation would not approve of such a thing (especially its citizens), and all of you admirals would be court-marshaled!
      
      Still, the situation is very serious. The Gorn need to know that by violating Federation territory, they WILL get a full-blown war. Of course, that is for the higher-ups to determine, but this admiral recommends full war preparation, with mothball fleets mobilized and shipyards beginning to increase production, as well as a concentration of forces on the Gorn border. The Klingons should also be alerted to prepare their fleet for war, which should occur if Federation territory is violated by the Gorn.
      
      The rapid reaction force is a significant addition to the sector�s fleet, but it is not nearly enough to stop the Gorn from doing what they want, where they want. However, it should be enough to slow them down considerably in case of war. The war plan would consist of an immediate strike on the transport by fast ships if the Zemch reservation is violated, followed by instant withdrawal. This should divide the Gorn fleet, as they would leave ships to protect their transport. They might also split further to pursue the Federation fleet and to head toward their objective, whatever that might be.
      
      Meanwhile, continued attempts to coordinate with the Semmans would be made. Their actions and strengths could completely change the plan�
      
      The slow ships need to clear the area. The Superb will go to the Zemch homeworld to help prepare a defense (more on this later).
      
      The Runnymede needs to go to the Dorzan system to deal with the situation there. It will be demanded of the rebels that a full team of Federation investigators be allowed to investigate the death, or else the Federation will deal much more aggressively with extracting the Federation citizens. To the Dorzan government, it would be demanded that they do not bombard the planet. It would not be a violation of the prime directive to intervene directly to stop them if they were slaughtering Federation citizens, and if this occurred, the intervention would take place, regardless of available firepower. Also, it would permanently destroy their chances for Federation membership or even friendly trade and other relations. Besides, what the hell are they doing messing with a measly colony when there�s a full INTERSTELLAR WAR brewing? Don�t they want to protect their sector? Our diplomats could let slip that it would be a good idea to continue posturing against the rebels as an excuse for full mobilization, and then to let their citizens know that they don�t care about the stupid rebels, and the posturing was just their secret plan to mobilize fully without the Gorn realizing�
      
      Finally, the defense plans. I intend to make use of hit and run stikes with fast ships, preferably on small Gorn detachments. Also, a main aspect of the defense will be mobile cloaked mines. These mines would be cloaked and have thrusters for operations near important planets. They would have no sensors, but basic reception devices (to save a lot of space). However these mines would be relayed targeting information from the sensor grind in various parts of the Zemch reservation. These sensors can be hidden, and more can be added to make it very time consuming for the Gorn to take out. If they spread out in say, an asteroid field to hunt for the sensors, that would be a perfect time for my fleet to strike.
      
      The basic organization for the fleet would be extremely flexible, so as to take advantage of opportunities to strike and delay the Gorn. Fleet Captain Vehnil Shaala and I would constantly be making plans and conducting missions, carefully coordinating a series of bold strikes. Depending on our respective strengths, abilities, and locations, each of us could command anywhere between one ship and the whole fleet at any given time. If the Gorn head straight for the starbase, it would need to be evacuated, and hopefully defended somehow, depending on the force the Gorn send. At any rate, it would not be allowed to fall into Gorn hands intact if the personnel can be evacuated in time (non-essential personnel in the entire area should be removed � as with all sectors bordering the Gorn).
      
      P.S. A frigate is smaller then a destroyer, though both are small, fast combat ships with similar roles.
      
      P.P.S. I think that�s everything. Sorry if this seems a bit jumbled. I must sleep�
       

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      Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
       
      Question 5
      
      5a) Well, they�re definitely serious about making a show of force�
      But is it anything more than that? I still don�t think the Gorn would risk a full scale conflict with the Federation. I�d reiterate my demands to the commander of the Gorn advance party for the calling off of the main Gorn force, with a deadline. Let�s say twelve hours before they rendezvous with the advance force. I would state again the Federation�s willingness to negotiate a compromise over systems which were not under Federation protection, particularly AJ-946.
      
      My essential dispositions would not be changed by this information. However, I would (discreetly) collect targeting information on the Gorn ships and assign targeting priorities; the to Sabre equivalents would be engaged by my Sabres (surprise, surprise), while Palmerston and Thermistocles engage the battlecruiser and Arran slips in to target the colony ship. However, my vessels will aim to disable only, with emphasis on propulsion and weapons systems. In a rapid, high speed attack, the fleet should be able to inflict sufficient damage to the Gorn vessels without being exposed to serious risk themselves. This will convince the Gorn of the seriousness of the Federation�s intent to defend its territory and maybe even persuade them to call off the main fleet.
      
      5b) Following the neutralisation of the Gorn advance force, my in sector fleet would retreat to an RV point to meet the 95th and 96th RRSqns.
      
      Given the gap between the arrival of Starfleet forces and the Gorn main fleet, the exact response will depend upon the actions of the Gorn. My pre-emptive strike, disabling the ships in the advanced fleet should mean they stay in the vicinity of these ships, at least initially. I will warn the Gorn commander that any advance from this spot will be considered an act of war. Exact responses will depend on what the Gorn do.
      
      I�ll give Captain Shaala full tactical command. He knows his ships and commanders better than I do and has trained with them. Even if he�s never been involved with the Gorn before, he can read briefing documents and I�m sure in this sector, at least some of his staff or senior officers does have first hand knowledge.
      
      Given the size and power of the Gorn fleet, even with reinforcements I can't hope to defeat them outright. If my initial bluff doesn't work, then I'll have to settle for a series of fast, limited strikes, if at all possible against isolated units. This will continue until larger Federation ships can arrive.
      
      5c) Point out to the Dorzans that, while this is an internal matter in which the Federation wouldn't normally intervene, there are Federation citizens placed in direct risk by their actions, which makes it a Federation problem. So they'd damn well better come back to the negotiating table because our patience regarding their application for membership is not infinite. Either that or get them to ask for Federation assistance in extracting the hostages.
      
      5d) Send one of my Novas to ask (politely) what their intentions are. I doubt they're hostile (hopefully). We haven't done anything since the original incident to piss them off. If they are friendly I'd ask for their help in a co-ordinated defence of the sector against the Gorn.
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      QUESTION SIX (five parts)
      
      
      • Critique the plans of another player. Identify the strengths & the weaknesses.
        
        
      • The Gorn heavy fleet has arrived. Your opposite number, Marshal S'sgrrng, is not a lizard known for overt usage of his thoughty thingy. Upon arrival, He surveys the situation for about a good 3 minutes & then makes a decision for all concerned. For your people, it's of the "OW, that hurts, oh god make the pain STOP!" kind. In the resultant skirmish, your largest ship attending the dance is heavily disabled & two (2) medium-sized vessels are destroyed. The trusteeship zone has been broached & the Gorn are running inward. React accordingly.
        
        
      • "Well, look at this! Appears we got here just in the nick of time. What does that make us?"
        "Big damn heroes, sir."
        "Ain't we just."
        
        Fleet Captain Shaala comes blazing out of the...um, lack of sun & manages to rendezvous with your pursing ships at a point about equidistant from the "upper three" stars within the ZTZ as show on the local map, coming in on the Gorn flank. Detail any possible tactical revisions.
        
        
      • During the Big Damn Battle, the Semman vessels arrive & stand off outside the borders of the combat zone. They engage no ships on any side nor communicate to neither you, the Gorn, or themselves.
        
        
      • In the heat of combat, several sensors on many ships detect an unidentified warp signature approximately 4 LY away. A crude cursory scan reveals that the signature is in fact a prototype Zemch warpship, still within the system. What to do if they show up in the middle of your Big Damn Battle?
      
      Only one more to go, folks!
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      == Part One ==
      
      I'll critique Neutrino's critique, especially because it includes a critique of its own. While my response may seem overly aggressive compared to TNG-era diplomacy, remember that the Federation just recently emerged from a major interstellar war, which pretty much directly arose from TNG-era diplomacy. (And by "diplomacy" I mean "we'll just go wherever we want and we'll ignore any possible threats until they're about to kill us.") The advance of the Gorn heavy reinforcements make quite clear their intentions, to either intimidate us into standing down, or to completely blow us away and take what they want. The potential for a major Gorn-Federation war is quite low, given that there's little indication of general mobilization of the Gorn fleet as a whole. Also, I pointed out in my own responses that the goal of facing down the Gorn is to make it clear to them that the Federation will defend any encroachment of their territory, trusteeship or not.
      
      On the flip side, I question Neutrino's recommendation for general mobilization of Federation assets. And you call MY response aggressive? I'm planning on fighting, if necessary, a major border skirmish between a few local squadrons, not an all-out invasion. Just why would the Federation as a whole need to go to war over this?
      
      Going on to actual strategy, I do agree with the plan for hit-and-run strikes against the Gorn. If their ships are anything like the Gorn themselves, they'll be big, powerful, but slow and impossible to maneuver. However, I also question the usefulness of mines. The only times that mines have ever been useful in space combat has been in low-maneuverability areas like planetary orbit, or else in restricted corridors like the Bajoran wormhole or the Hekaras Corridor. Mines in interstellar space are just a waster of resources.
      
      == Part Two ==
      
      Well, seeing how my own strategy at the moment is of the "Sir Dan bravely running away" variety, I don't think there's really a big deal here. I assume that my initial plan -- the disabling of the Gorn transport and its escorts (three Gorn versus my five ships) -- worked just fine. That means that Marshal S'sgrrng is charging into the ZTZ, but all my forces are otherwise generally intact.
      
      == Part Three ==
      
      Well, since my plan was to bravely run away after taking out the initial Gorn fleet and rendezvous at G5-Q25, I assume that's gone according to plan. It seems that the Gorn are heading towards H2-N1, rather than CD-183 as expected. No matter. Our attack plan is to function in three squadrons (each group as its own unit), make a single approach for the first run and focus as much firepower on the battleships to try to knock them out, then split into squadrons and break off in three different directions. If the Gorn stay together in one formation and pursue only one squadron, then the other two will harry their rear while the first draws the fire. If the Gorn split up, then the odds are more even and in our favor. We'll continue the deadly dance as long as possible; I expect we'll be able to outlast the Gorn in that regard.
      
      == Part Four ==
      
      Meh. Leave 'em alone. I've got no time to send more greeting cards that never get an answer.
      
      == Part Five ==
      
      Ho-boy. I'd like to say that this changes things with regard to the ZTZ, but it really doesn't. Since the Gorn are already keen on taking it from the Federation, it really doesn't matter as far as they're concerned if the Zemch are ready to use it or not. Fine.
      
      At any rate, I'll detach Runnymede to go make contact. If it looks like the Gorn want to pursue, I'll detail Proteus to escort, assuming that the Gorn might decide to make the old Miranda an easy target. (Assuming it hasn't already been converted into a ball of plasma from a freak subspace raspberry or something.) But I'm confident that my forces, though probably not dishing out lots of damage, are giving the Gorn plenty to worry about anyway.
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      I was almost certain you were going to jump at the chance for RUNNYMEDE GO BOOM!!
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      C'mon, I already told you I was expressing hyperbole before. Besides, since Runnymede is pretty useless in the fight anyway, sending it to say hi to the Zemch means I don't have to pull one of my Novas off the combat line. Even a Nova still trumps an old Miranda.
      
      EDIT: ...But if it would make you feel better, I'll tack on the following line: "However, if the Runnymede has been converted into an expanding ball of plasma and shrapnel after getting hit by a stray BB gun pellet fired from one of the Gorn scouts, then I'll dispatch one of my Novas instead."
      
      Happy?
       

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      Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
       
      ===Q6a===
      
      I�m also in the "kill the lizards in cold blood" camp, but I�ll still critique one of my co-unsympathizers, namely Wraith. Not that I would have anything against the moves you make against the advance force of the scalies. It is just that there�s an element of denial there: the Gorn forces outnumber the defenders something like four to one until the reinforcements arrive, yet there is no actual plan for delaying action.
      
      Plans B through D, no matter how desperate, would be important here, as you have to coordinate with Shaala on whatever happens when the main fleet arrives.
      
      ===Q6b===
      
      Hooray for lizard brains! It very much seems that S�sgrrng fell for my pincers ruse and went for the chance to hurt my strongest unit, thereby slowing him down enough for the 1st Space Cavalry to arrive. The �heavily disabled� ship will be my leading cruiser Robuste, now stranded well outside the ZTZ. Along her were lost the frigate Katana and my armed tender Veracruz, the latter with many Gorn prisoners aboard.
      
      The Gorn transport still floats out there, deprived of propulsion, power and much of her life support, with my troops in nominal control but with the thousands of Gorn colonists struggling to change the situation, or just to live to see another hour; it seems nobody has the time to do anything about that, at least not until the battle is decided one way or the other.
      
      A few stray fighters from the Veracruz buzz aimlessly across the battlefield, deprived of a practicable carrier vessel.
      
      All I have left in terms of combat capability here are my two remaining cruisers, both of which are in a trailing position vis-�-vis the Gorn intrusion. The best they can do is spit volley after volley of torpedoes at the rear shields of the Gorn. Hopefully, they manage to inflict some damage to the enemy fleet. While the double-pincers battle probably weeded out a couple of the lighter Gorn units, I have not yet made a concentrated attack against any of their battleships.
      
      The Balmoran arrives at SB 403 just as the action begins, and sails out again with my flag onboard as I receive news of the success of the delaying action and the demise of half my combat forces. I head for the Zemch battlezone, deploying a couple of outrider drones to create the illusion of greater combat potential. The Gorn are unlikely to fall for that, though, or to alter their course even if they did.
      
      ===Q6c===
      
      The strategic timetable didn�t work quite as much to my favor as I hoped: the Gorn now have their scaly snouts facing Shaala�s forces, not mine, and are a bit deeper in the ZTZ than desirable. Still, the tactical reality of the situation remains the same. It is up to Shaala now to take out the battleships one by one, making use of the singleminded Gorn push in one direction while the Starfleet forces can maneuver at will.
      
      What would the odds be? Against my three casualties, which were on the evasive in the initial battle, the Gorn probably lost most of their more adventurous light units. The fighter wings would have been dealt with by my greater multitargeting capabilities and the Veracruz fighters. The two battleships and ten cruisers would remain the principal threat. The numbers of hulls would be more or less even, but with each Gorn unit twice as heavy as our counterparts.
      
      If we triumph, this will be one for the history books. In the �myths, legends and generally highly dubious achievements� section.
      
      ===Q6d===
      
      Would the Semmans be interested in assisting the Gorn transport? Out of the 60,000 live resources for stylish boots aboard, several are probably still breathing, and I�m not going to trigger the scuttling charges or anything. Life support support would be more than welcome, as would be towing to SB 403.
      
      Sigh. I had placed at least some hopes on getting the Semmans to cooperate. Since those damn salads & scrambled eggs aren�t talking to me anyway, I�m withdrawing the Humason and her holo-envoys for the time being. Let them play their part in the Zemch crisis for now. The little Nova and her two escorting Akiras and four Sabres (all made of good solid hard light) will head for the battlezone at maximum speed.
      
      ===Q6e===
      
      Expedited processing of UFP membership paperwork would be nice if it gave me access to those hordes upon hordes of Zemch battleships that are no doubt just minutes away from completion.
      However, whoever heard of expedited paperwork?
      
      Not much to be done regarding the Zemch entry to the interstellar community. But I�m sure Shaala can spare that Gemini scout of his to take care of escorting the Zemch vessel to relative safety.
      
      Timo Saloniemi
       

      ---

      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      Damn aggressive Gorn. We were supposed to fire first after they entered Federation territory and then instantly warp out. I suppose this plan was the only thing that saved the Hornet, but the Battleaxe and Quasar are now floating wrecks. Such nicely named ships too� what a pity�
      
      Now, though, the Federation and Gorn are at war! The Gorn and all other neighbors must realize that the Federation will defend every bit of its territory with an iron will (which is hopefully true, and will prevent additional wars and skirmishes). The current forces are sufficient for a delaying action, but if the starbase is to be held in the long-term, major reinforcements must, of course, be sent to this sector.
      
      With my plan I would think that the forces fired simultaneously (unless the Federation fleet was waiting outside Federation territory, in which case a staff officer�s head will roll), so the Gorn transport is hopefully disabled.
      
      At any rate, it was never expected that the Gorn could be prevented from entering the Zemch area if they wanted to, so the previous plans will be implemented. I will clarify one point, though. The mines are not scattered willy-nilly over space. They are deployed near important planets (though not the Zemch homeworld, which is considered their territory) and possibly other strategically valuable zones, if they exist. I thought this was obvious, but rereading my post, it wasn�t extremely clear (was too sleepy�). The mines are mobile, since fixed mines even near a planet would be unlikely to hit anything.
      
      It seems that the Semmans are still observing. Since repeated hails obviously aren�t being answered, they are not yet a factor in this battle.
      
      First contact should definitely be made with the Zemch. They deserve to know what�s going on, as the Gorn may seek to absorb them too. The Superb is already in the system, and will send an appropriate message:
      �Attention: Zemch vessel. We are not hostile to your species. However, we must inform you of an immediate threat to your world and people. The Gorn Empire is coming; our defenses are crumbling. You may be in immediate danger. Please respond.�
      
      The precise actions that follow depend on the exact situation on Zemch Prime. If they seem to have a stable government, basic weapons and other useful technology could be provided if it looks like the Gorn are heading there. Hopefully, though the Gorn will stay away from the Zemch.
      
      Critique of Timo�s Answer: Are you crazy? You just attacked Gorn ships in neutral space, starting a war! That�s probably why the Gorn entered your territory�hehe�
      Lots of ententes bluster and posture, but that is no excuse to attack, only to step up war preparations. The could be many instances where conflict is averted, after a buildup on the border.
      In this case, you properly read Gorn intentions, but nevertheless, in the eyes of Federations citizens, you committed an act of aggression, starting the war!
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      QUESTION SEVEN (five parts)
      
      
      • The Big Damn Battle doesn't go well. Althought the Starfleet forces give as good as they get, the Gorn hammer you hear. The situation does not look good.
        
        Until.
        
        The three Semman vessels move in & begin to harangue the Gorn forces, adding their firepower to yours. Eventually, 30% of the enemy is destroyed or disabled, & the remaining forces retreat out of the zone. In the aftermath the Semman commander contacts you. An odd image; he (it?) is one of the Sh'sh'l; others of the species can be seen in the background aloung with Zznjlii members. The commander opens by stating that his people(s) have considered themselves the watchdogs & mentors for the sector for hundreds of years. They have placed operatives, both plant & insect, on the local planets to observe & gather information, & in this aspect have passively nudged the Zemch towards warpflight. They observed the Federation's actions in the sector over the years & have been impressed by its actions, especially your willingness to protect from outside influences that which you do not know about. As a result, he has been empowered to request the formal opening of negotiations. It has made one request, however: that his people(s) participate in the Zemch first contact. How do you go about handling that?
        
        
      • The Trusteeship Zone has been successfully defended & the Gorn have been pushed back. However, the "lower right" star has been conceded by the Federation to the Gorn. Describe how (or even if) this redraw of the borders changes your future fleet disposition & plans for sector operations.
        
        
      • Speaking of the Zemch first contact, how is that to be handled? After all, it was only an in-system warp flight. (map of Zemch system here) Will you send a ship? A message? (which may or may not be detected) Will you handle it personally or delegate it to a junior officer? What about the Sh'sh'll commander's request?
        
        
      • The Dorzan rebellion is put down, & brutally at that. The entire colony is leveled. In the initial negotiations, the Semmans have revealed that they had operatives on the colony & were able to smuggle away the Federation citizens before the Dorzan assault arrived. All remaining on the colony are lost, however. How does this affect your future relations with the Dorzans, if at all?
        
        
      • Starfleet has reviewed your reports & supported your decisions. They have asked to for future recommendations & requests for the continued Federation presence in the sector. What thoughts & reasons do you have behind what you tell them? They have also offered you the chance to move on to another posting if you desire. The choice is yours: stay? Or go? Why?
      
      
      And so we come to the end of Sector Dorza. I hope you've enjoyed playing this as much as I've enjoyed putting it together for you. I do have one final request, something different than previous scenarios.
      
      It's been over a decade since I've run any kind of roleplaying game, so my skills are a little rusty. Any comments or critiques, both positive & negative, from you the players & observers would be appreciated. In this way, the format can evolve & grow, & become stronger through the following iterations.
      
      I have my own comments & critiques to make as the "gamemaster." I see these scenarios both as a symbol of our personal & professional natures. How we react in this fictional setting given the parameters laid out--overt in questions & implied in Trek history--gives insight into how we are ourselves, & how we may deal with real-life situations. We all know the nature & actions of the Federation, & we can easily opine how a Starfleet officer might or might not respond to a given situation. In that sense, I have tended to look upon these games as training sessions.
      
      I am rather dismayed by the overtly aggressive nature in the responses of some players. The flat-out militaristic bent appalls me & in some cases sickens me. Would some of these replies be "real," they would no doubt end in courts-martial. Remeber that Starfleet's mission is not to enforce the peace, but to create & protect it, & that the Federation's highest goal is the preservation of life in all forms & the advancement of knowledge.
      
      I am also rather shocked at the rather blatant disregarding in many cases of the Prime Directive. Intrusions into quarantined areas of space & star systems, harassment of species that have rejected contact with the Federation, & a general slant towards the influencing of an affiliate's internal policies--these are NOT the actions of a Starfleet officer in the 2380s. Perhaps some of these decisions would be more accepted in the cowboy days on the 2260s, but not today. The Prime Directive is there not to safeguard pre-warp & uncontacted species against everyone but the Federation, but rather against everyone INCLUDING the Federation. Perhaps a refresher course in the history of planetary-scale cultural contamination should be scheduled & made mandatory to attend.
      
      On a more positive note, I am extremely overjoyed to see the level of creativity in the actions of some here. Many times, I had to rethink my planned questions to take into account the novel approaches devised by the players. The fact that such original thinking forced me to do so is a sign of & a testament to the flexible nature of command training. So many different solutions to a single problem means we can all learn from each other & become stronger in ourselves.
      
      Again, thank you for participating, & for those of you who did not but merely watched, I hope you will join in the next installment.
       

      ---

      Posted by Mark Nguyen (Member # 469) on :
       
      Mark gives a nude standing ovation. Well done!
      
      Mark
       

      ---

      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      == Part One ==
      
      Well, little surprise the Big Damn Battle didn't go well. My first officer wryly quips, "You know this is why we almost lost to the Dominion, you know. Superior numbers." I thank him for the re-enactment.
      
      As for the Semmans... I'd say I was surprised, but I've watched too many 20th century fantasy dramas to be truthful there. Anyway, I'd be quite happy to cooperate with the Semmans in making First Contact with the Zemch. It seems as if they've been doing on a local scale what the Federation tries to do for an entire quadrant. I'd ask if they'd be willing to share any knowledge about the Zemch society so we don't accidentally cause any misunderstandings. (Though I'd be willing to wager that the "incident" with the Semmans was staged to get us to back off, as a sort of test. Dunno if I can ask the Semmans that, though.)
      
      == Part Two ==
      
      This obviously means that the Gorn will be shacking up permanently in the sector, which will necessitate a major increase in our local patrol squadron. Although the Zemch have achieved warp travel, they certainly won't be able to take advantage of the entire ZTZ for quite a while yet, much less have the ability to defend it. Without being privy to the exact legalese, I would remind the Federation Council of the old adage of possession being nine-tenths of the law. Therefore, we'd need to continue to defend the zone against incursions for the foreseeable future.
      
      == Part Three ==
      
      I'd love to head over personally with the Zemch commander, probably hitching a ride with one of the Novas � a ship that's not too big (and imposing) but still fully capable. (And I'm sure the Semmans will want to have one of their ships along, too.) But the Zemch flight being only in-system? What difference does that make? The Vulcans were happy to pop on over the very day that Cochrane's first flight took place! Besides, the Federation seems to have expedited their policy concerning political relations during and after the Dominion War... remember the Evora, for example?
      
      Of course, I'd much rather that the Federation take things a bit more slowly. Certainly the Zemch society needs to gradually acclimate itself to the idea of other alien cultures out there. But we can now start to lay the foundation for a lasting relationship.
      
      == Part Four ==
      
      I will personally recommend to the Federation Council that the Dorzan membership application be rejected in full. They are quite obviously not ready. I'd like to try to keep some diplomatic channels open, but that will depend on their reaction to our disapproval. Probably we'll cut off a lot of trade as well, especially embargoing the more advanced Federation technology. Certainly the rebellion was an internal affair that we weren't going to directly get involved in, but that doesn't mean we can't intensely disapprove.
      
      The Semman rescue, though greatly appreciated, won't affect the matter in the slightest as far as the Dorzans are concerned. The Dorzans wouldn't have known that the Federation citizens weren't in the colony any more! However, I will again ask the Semmans what kind of data they have on Dorzan cultural development, and also ask for their input about how to proceed with them in the future. After all, it seems like they've been at this (in this sector) longer than we have.
      
      == Part Five ==
      
      My first priority in making recommendations is for future fleet strengths. Ideally, I'd love to have at least a force equivalent to the recent Gorn invasion fleet, but that's unrealistic. I'd instead want to have at least ten or twelve combat ships (everything from Defiants on up) as an in-sector patrol force, but I'd also want to ensure that Starfleet has a much beefier rapid deployment force held in reserve in the region near the Gorn Hegemony. It seems that relations with the Gorn may get testier as time goes on.
      
      Another idea would be to establish some kind of secondary starbase inside the ZTZ. This, of course, depends on the establishment of friendly relations with the Zemch. But I envision the Federation continuing its role as protector, in cooperation with the Semmans and the consent and active participation of the Zemch. Starbase 403 would be useful for this role, but it's not ideally positioned. I'd like to keep 403 as a Starfleet-only base for more military and logistics purposes, while the new station would be for diplomacy and lower-level resupply. (One main reason for this is to avoid the automatic assumption that the Zemch will become Federation members. That's obviously something we like to offer, but we can't approach that as an automatic given in any First Contact.)
      
      In other concerns, we'd need to step up our covert surveillance of the Dorzans, especially concerning their military capability. It seems that Admiral Whatshisname, my predecessor, may have been on to something after all. I'll consider relaying his message to the Semmans, as well, to see what they think of it.
      
      As to my own career opportunities, I'd be quite happy to continue in my current post, to help cultivate the Semmans and to groom the Zemch. Having some consistency in command may also act as a passive deterrent to the Gorn, as well. (I assume that my answer doesn't affect any future scenarios, of course.)
      
      == Comments ==
      
      "Preacher, don't the Bible have some pretty specific things to say about killing?"
      "Quite specific. It is, however, somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps."
      
      Although I absolutely understand Shik's arguments concerning the military attitude, and share some of his reactions to certain responses myself, I feel that Starfleet and the Federation have also undergone a great change through the 2370's. Certainly that can't be used as carte blanche justification in the current scenario, since the Federation is obviously not at war and the consequences aren't nearly so dire. However, I would like to think that the Federation has learned some lessons from the war, and can apply some of those lessons to avoid from some crises becoming even bigger as a result of past practices.
      
      For example, despite the fact that my ships fired the first shots in the conflict by launching the preemptive strike against the initial expeditionary force, does that automatically make me the aggressor? For the same reason, Sisko provoked the Dominion by laying the minefield around the Bajoran wormhole... mine laying can be considered an act of war in and of itself in certain circumstances. Once it became obvious that the Gorn were not going to back down, despite my willingness to negotiate, my primary responsibilities became (1) safeguarding the ZTZ and (2) safeguarding the lives of the crews under my command.
      
      On another subject, something that's always irritated me has been the vagueness of the terms of the Prime Directive. Originally, it seemed that those rules only applied to pre-warp civilizations. And although the Federation did have strict rules of conduct for internal affairs of warp-capable societies (c.f. Klingon Civil War, 2367-68), that never seemed to fall under the umbrella of the Prime Directive. But later on, mainly in VGR, it seemed as if the Prime Directive became more of a general non-interference rule for any non-Federation culture. And that's something that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, unless you are 100% isolationist. Therefore, although I tried to take a hands-off approach with the Dorzan rebellion crisis (except with regard to the safety of the Federation citizens), I don't see how any kind of political influence leveraged could be considered a breach of the Prime Directive.
      
      Also, a more direct question... Shik, are you passing any kind of judgment on the interpretation of the ZTZ enforcement? I've never read Prime Directive, and I suspect most of the other participants haven't either. I don't see how sending Federation ships into the Zone for monitoring and defensive purposes isn't allowed. And if the novel did present the idea of a trusteeship zone to mean "everyone INCLUDING the Federation isn't allowed in," then that's just ridiculous. If you weren't referring to the ZTZ, then what did you mean by "intrusions into quarantined areas of space"?
      
      Overall, though, I definitely congratulate you on a quite challenging and thought-provoking scenario. I never really thought about some of the Prime Directive issues in quite the same way before, and I had to spend some time thinking about a few of my responses before I posted. Well done, sir!
       

      ---

      Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
       
      

      quote:

      ---

      ...these are NOT the actions of a Starfleet officer in the 2380s.

      ---

      Had you said "in the 2360s", I'd have an easier time with this.
      
      In the 2380s, I'd think Starfleet would shoot to kill, often preemptively, out of fear of showing weakness in the aftermath of a war it nearly lost. It would also more aggressively engage in the affairs of primitives, ST:INS style. And it wouldn't consider in any respect "neutral" a sector of space where Starfleet has a starbase.
      
      I'm not quite sure what the political attitudes towards the Gorn at the time would be, exactly (I think the lizard guys only appeared in a comic during the war, and I haven't seen that one), but I would gather that any signs of aggression would be met with disproportionately pissed-off response especially if the Gorn weren't on the winning side in the war.
      
      ===Q7a===
      
      The concept of a Trusteeship Zone would appear to call for complete rather than partial abolition once the protected culture has "matured". I do not think it would be within my powers to prevent the Semman delegations from approaching the Zemch now that their warp program has been completed, my own contact mission has already been launched, and in all likelihood the Zemch themselves have witnessed the presence and actions of three alien cultures.
      
      My intended contact vessel and my flagship will arrive at the scene more or less at the same time the battle concludes. While the latter will have to engage heavily in postcombat mop-up, I invite the Semmans to do some formation flying with my Nova, with simultaneous beam-down and joint introductions all around.
      
      Until now, I have been under the impression that this sector, save for its inhabited systems, has been UFP territory de facto if not de jure. The Semman revelation puts that very much in question. I take advantage of the joint First Contact mission to initiate discussions on the subject and the possible need to "reduce" Starfleet presence to a defensive alliance with the landlords. In practice, the "reduction" would probably involve moving in major military forces.
      
      ===Q7b===
      
      Sector space has been "ceded"? It does appear this was UFP territory to begin with, as I assumed with my "if you cross the sector border" ultimatum.
      
      In principle, standard pseudo-random sector control patrol patterns relying on three cruiser-sized vessels should still suffice even after the change in astrography. In practice, Starfleet will wish to show force here, and most likely deploy three times the number of cruisers for a short period of time, concentrating half of them on the Gorn border.
      
      Such deployment probably cannot be sustained for long if the crisis is deemed to have passed, though; a return to original deployment plans would then follow, only with fortifications (sensor chains and possible forward combat/resupply outposts) against the Gorn space. Also, four rather than two support frigates will be called for, and the Runnymede and Humason are likely to be moved to other assignments.
      
      ===Q7c===
      
      As stated, my Nova was already en route to the scene, with holo-envoys aboard. While my regular diplomats are still engaged in Dorzan negotiations, I press on with this holo-staff for an immediate, hands-on contact mission that involves me personally, as well as the Sh'sh'l commander. That is, unless the Semmans know more about the Zemch than I do, in terms of showstoppers?
      
      I hope to create global contact with full disclosure, as the signs of the space battle will be reaching the planet in a few years anyway and may already have caused panic thanks to the planet's ability to listen to subspace comm traffic. I also wish to present the case for UFP membership so that the planet has maximum lead time to prepare for it; otherwise, other, less exclusive empires may get too much of an advantage in the race to assimilate the Zemch...
      
      ===Q7d===
      
      The Dorzan developments take me by surprise, as I was intent on using force to stop the government from endangering the UFP hostages. For the government to have been successful at leveling the colony, I must assume the Runnymede destroyed. Technically, the Federation is now at open war with the Dorzan government.
      
      I'm happy to hear that the hostages were extracted even before my military operation reached them, but I lament the loss of my diplomatic team along with the starship. Are there survivors? Prisoners of war? Their extradition would be my first priority. I would first implement an immediate and complete blockade of the Dorzan system with whatever combat forces I have remaining (possibly as little as one Nova and one Sabre), and then begin the process for a cease-fire and possible peace.
      
      ===Q7e===
      
      Given the near-complete loss of my original starship assets, I would first recommend dispatching of a corresponding replacement force to maintain status quo. However, my subsequent recommendation is for negotiations for cooperation and division of labor with the Semmans. They seem willing to tolerate Starfleet presence in the sector; Starfleet could continue survey operations on the uninhabited worlds, maintain anti-Gorn defenses, and forge ties with the Zemch, all jointly with the Semmans.
      
      Starfleet has its own agendas in the area as well. Sufficient pressure on the Dorzans to quickly resolve the issues related to the loss of the Runnymede is warranted; after that, I recommend a cool-off period during which Dorzan attempts at expansion will be frustrated as much as can be done without military force, before an attempt to normalize relations is made.
      
      As for myself, I ask for transfer to the Gorn front. If the postwar Starfleet has some use for the likes of me, apparently it's not here...
      
      Timo Saloniemi
       

      ---

      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      Although I am not a huge fan of the novels, Prime Directive is a VERY good read & I highly recommend it to all.
      
      Everyone's interpretation of the Prime Directive is going to be different based upon their own thoughts, ideals, & cultural influences. Mine is definitely shaped by my own philosophies of diversity & non-interference, & by the following paragraph:
      
      As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Starfleet personnel, Federation citizen and/or representative may interfere with the normal and healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Starfleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship/installation, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.
      
      That's a pretty broad brush. I read it as saying not just pre-warp civilizations, but ANY non-Federation society. The Klingon civil war. The Klingon/Cardassian conflict. The Bajoran power struggle. All are incidences where Federation involvement was minimal, & more often than not requested. We've seen a civilization destroyed (or thought to be) because of it, a planet ask us never to return & we've heeded that.
      
      I believe that when a species reaches a certain point technologically, the missions to its area decrease sharply. It's easier to just warp into a system & hang out in orbit when it's a Renaissance-era world; when they have radar & interplanetary spaceflight, that makes things far more difficult. I would also venture to guess that the exclusionary zone then becomes wider; that plus an idea presented in the novel was the basis behind the ZTZ.
      
      I suppose, though, I also tend to take a far more cautious appraoch to General Order 1.
      
      In any event, thanks for the thoughts, & next time....well, might be me again, might be MM, might be both of us (& no one can help you THEN.)
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      Question 7:
      
      I�m glad a treaty prevented a full scale war. The spirited defense by the Federation will hopefully serve to prevent future incidents, as well as strengthen the alliance with the Klingons.
      
      Apparently the Superb failed to make contact with the Zemch. The captain clearly needs a refresher first contact course (being a combat captain, he/she/it probably just tried to use regular subspace channels�grumble grumble�no subtlety), which will go on the permanent record�
      
      Nevertheless, this allows first contact to be made in a friendlier setting. I don�t see why the Semmans shouldn�t be allowed to participate. They have gathered information on the Zemch, which should actually improve the first contact situation. Since the Zemch have subspace communications, a subspace message (or another message if that fails) could be sent asking for a meeting, which as admiral, I should personally attend. If we can�t seem to get through to them fairly quickly, then we�ll just land a runabout near their warp facility. Scientists should be less scared then other citizens, especially warp scientists.
      
      As another note on the Zemch, since they were able to achieve warp drive so quickly after the subspace breakthrough, they must be a very united people, and their desire for exploration seems to indicate that they have similar principles to the Federation.
      
      Formal negotiations with the Semmans should be a benefit for the entire sector. If their interests are indeed similar to the Federation, a sector defense alliance may be possible, or even incorporation of them into the Federation over the long term.
      
      The Gorn now have a permanent presence in this sector, but what kind of presence will it be? If they are just making a colony, then it is not much of a threat. However, if the Gorn also (or perhaps just) build a military base, defense preparations will have to be stepped up. At any rate, an increase in readiness and defenses will need to be made all along the Gorn border, as they have proven themselves to be blatantly aggressive.
      
      The Dorzans have slaughtered their own citizens, and almost killed Federation citizens along with them. I would think that if the Semmans evacuated them, this would be detected (they would need some kind of ship), thus allowing the Runnymede and Sofia to stand aside, preventing direct conflict with the Dorzans.
      
      Nevertheless, this will mean a certain rejection of Dorzan Federation membership. Diplomatic relations will be maintained, of course, but they will be very cool, similar to Federation-Cardassian relations during the occupation of Bajor. This will no doubt restrict trade with them. Furthermore, the is no longer any need to preserve additional colonization areas for the Dorzans, and the other stars in the area that are part of Federation territory can be colonized at leisure. Finally, the Dorzans must continue to be monitored closely. They are extremely unstable, and may stupidly attack someone in this area with hardly any provocation.
      
      Recommendations: Military presence should be stepped up in this sector with a Defiant (the Superb can remain) and a patrol ship (roughly Sabre-equivalent in capability) to patrol the Gorn border. The Runnymede can remain to cover the rest of the sector (and perhaps parts of adjacent sectors). They Oberth and Istanbul can remain, though the new job of the Istanbul will be to transport things to the Zemch that they request (I would think that after first contact, the Federation must have some program to bring the new race up to standards in technology before admittance to the Federation). The Oberth will assist in Zemch and Federation colonization efforts. Materials for construction of embassies should be delivered for Semma and Zemch Prime (the Semman embassy constructed in careful consultation with the Semmans). There should also be plenty of defense equipment delivered and the response time for delivering additional forces to this sector decreased (as with all Gorn border sectors). Finally, the starbase should be moved closer to the Zemch and Semmans, preferably in Zemch territory with their permission.
      
      I certainly would want to stay in this sector in the near future. There are many things to do before I would want to leave:
      1. There may still be hope for the Dorzans. They were quick to attack, and may be just as quick to condemn that action. This could even be the beginning of rather fast social chance.
      2. Diplomatic relations need to be established with the Semmans � carefully!
      3. First contact with the Zemch needs to be prepared.
      4. Defenses need to be prepared.
      As well as other possibilities that I mentioned above.
      
      Good game!
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      P.S. A note about the military reaction to the Gorn threat:
      It might be easier to think of the proper response to that in terms of a situation on Earth, rather then from a sci-fi point of view. Consider the following scenario.
      Year 2020: Canada discovers lots of oil and becomes a great power with a big navy. Meanwhile, the U.S. was just weakened from defending Taiwan against China. Due to tectonic evolution, there has always been a minor group of islands near U.S. and Canada that both claim. The U.S. has a much better claim, and has occupied the island for over 80 years (though there is only some scientific equipment there now).The island gives economic exclusion zone to some important sea resources.
      
      Canada, always quick to take advantage of U.S. weakness , decides that they must have the island, and they send a ship. The U.S. fleet is in the Pacific mostly, so only a couple destroyers and a sub can reach the island. Canada demands the islands, and the U.S. refuses. Canada is sending reinforcements.
      
      Does the U.S. attack the Canadian ship now, despite the fact that they�ve remained in international waters? Hell no! Worse provocations have occurred that have not lead to war. The recent historical Canadian-Danish dispute over some crap island is relevant here.
      
      However, the Canadian fleet arrives and eliminates the destroyers killing several hundred crew, and occupies the island. NOW what does the U.S. do? Does it just attack the Canadians with the sub, and call for some reinforcements. Probably not. This would be a Pearl-Harbor style incident, though obviously less surprising. The U.S. would fight Canada in areas other then the space around the disputed island, though the very first part of the war might be around the island (depending on the specifics, but it is possible for the analogy to hold up here).
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Ah, but how about this? What if there had been some actual, alert anti-aircraft defenses deployed on the far side of the island of Hawai'i on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor? Assuming that the aircraft were positively identified as being Japanese, what would you suggest be done? Let the massive bomber strike force, clearly on a direct heading towards Pearl Harbor, continue on because they haven't dropped their bombs yet? Or would you open fire first, because the planes were very clearly intent on launching an attack, in the interests of defending your valuable military base/assets (and lives) by shooting down some bombers before they reach their target?
      
      Obviously we have the benefit of hindsight in the Pearl Harbor attack, but my belief is that (1) I had already issued an ultimatum to the Gorn fleet, telling them not to proceed any further, and (2) the Gorn forces had a clear intent, and there was very little chance that they were going to turn around after the ultimatum deadline passed. In short, the Gorn were the ones that made the conflict inevitable. I simply chose to move their timetable forward slightly to gain a little advantage back. Or in other words, I wasn't willing to let the Gorn back me completely into the corner... I chose to act while I still had some maneuvering room.
       

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      Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
       
      Also important here would be power balance issues. A post-WWII US would not have hesitated to crush weak and smelly Mexico in Neutrino's scenario even if a strong and ah so westernly Canada might have given it pause.
      
      Are the Gorn powerful? Do they have the capability of unopposed strategic strike, in the Cold War style, or only of opposed strategic strike with battleships, in the pre-WWI style? Are they backed by other powers through political alliances, or do they stand isolated?
      
      The Federation speaks of the Prime Directive when weak Klingons have a civil war, but no such mention is made when strong Klingons pour across the borders and take over pastoral planets. A border transgression is not an "internal affair"...
      
      It still remains a bit unclear whether the Dorza Sector was supposed to be UFP territory or not. If not, why was there a starbase there? If the intent was just to guard the ZTZ, the station probably should have been in there; if UFP presence was only due to Dorza being a member candidate, there should have been just a consulate on the surface there.
      
      Timo Saloniemi
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      I dunno, I've always figured that it'd be acceptable to place starbases in international, interstellar space. After all, it's friggin' huge enough (space, that is) that on its own, it can't effect that much of a claim to an entire sector. I'd say that the starbase would be more akin to all the various naval bases that the US maintains all around the world, like Guatanamo, Okinawa, Pearl Harbor (before statehood) and so forth.
       

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      Posted by Neutrino 123 (Member # 1327) on :
       
      MinutiaeMan, in your scenario the Japanese would already have violated U.S. territory after being spotted, so AA fire would certainly be enacted. However, a similar plausible scenario is: what if the U.S. detected the approching Japanese Carrier fleet and considered attacking it with airplanes and subs before it struck?
      
      Well, the Japanese were definitely planning to start of war, so in hindsight, attacking them would be the best move from a purely military and ethical perspective. Indeed, with intelligance intercepts and the fact the the Japanese were moving in secret probably would have been enough information to justify this without hindsight.
      
      The differance here from the Gorn situation is that it would have been known that war war in the offing. With the Gorn, unless you had special intelligance sources , it could simply have been interpreted as a show of force, not a guranteed attack.
      
      Finally, public opinion is important. It both scenarios, it might be better to increase preparedness, but not to launch a first strike, so the public solidly supports the war.
      
      Tim , if Mexico tried to conduct a simiilar action, they simply would have been laughed at, not attacked. In fact, there probably wouldn't even be significantly stepped up defensive preparations.
      
      I always assumed that the sector was Federation territory. It would sort have been silly not to claim it, since then anyone could just march in and do what they like.
       

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      Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
       
      Okay then, fine... if we'd had technology (unknown to the Japanese) to detect the incoming fleet, then yeah, we'd have every right to pick them off.
      
      But again, you're missing my initial statement... I issued an ultimatum to the Gorn, telling them to reverse course at least 12 hours before they would've reached the confrontation point. They knew exactly how I was reacting, and that I was considering their reinforcements as an act of aggression. Given that ultimatum, and the extreme threat to our forces (being outnumbered) and the known instructions from Gorn High Command to "knock over" the Starfleet defenses.
      
      A preemptive strike was perfectly justified.
       

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      Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
       
      Picking at the trees. Look at the forest.
      
      My overall plan here was a lesson in the ambiguities of the Prime Directive. An armed skirmish was of course in the cards all along; it was written into the scenario. Even if you had let the Gorn waltz into the ZTZ, they would've then headed for Dorza, or Semma. The militaristic points that caused me to twitch, yes, were elemetns such as Neutrino's statement that "the Gorn & the Federation are now at war!" Wars don't start over backwater sectors; even the Klingon Conflict of 2372 wasn't REALLY because of Archanis.
      
      The question here was "How far are you willing to go, & how liberal will you be in the application of noninterference?" A Federation ally with a hatred of the old, a member of the "iron fist, velvet glove" club. A mysterious & enticing planet of symbiotes who won't have anything to do with you. A world on the verge of entering the galaxy. An old antagonist rattling a saber. Each of these presented their own unique challenge; combined they caused a bit of a headache.
      
      The goal here was to THINK. As Starfleet officers you are trained to PROact, not REact. Yes, there has been a war 4 years past. Yes, there's still effects from that. But as devastating as that war was, there is still the chance for hope. There are so many "dark days after the Dominion War" concepts floating around the web. They deal with destruction, broken faiths, rebuilding, picking up the pieces. I seem to be the only one who believes that there was a simple redirection.
      
      Let us continue with the WW2 analogy already in effect. After the war it took many, many years to ramp down from a war production state. Ships were held onto for 20, 25 more years or were sold off to lesser nations who needed to rebuild. Materiel still flowed, although not as much as the days of war. Men returned from overseas service armed with the knowledge & drive to build something better. By the middle of the Eisenhower administration, this had been channeled into the very same military-industrial complex that he had warned against, the one that continued until the early 1990s. Eventually the hit was felt because there was nowhere to go with this area of industry. with no war, no standing enemy, you take a hit. Slowly but surely there's been diversification into the public field, but the same opportunities are not there.
      
      Now we have the same situation 430 years later. A great war has been fought & ended, there is still massive war production rates going, & there is a need to rebuild. But unlike the post-WW2 US, the post-DW UFP HAS an outlet, the same outlet it's always had.
      
      Exploration.
      
      Rather than huddle close to home, rather than quiet the engines of war, rather than keep an eye on what we have with an aim to make sure it's never taken from us, I choose to believe the federation once again looked OUTWARD for the impetus to heal from within. The did not huddle close to home; they surged forward to explore more, to learn, & to make sure that they can be better defended BY that knowledge. They did not quiet the engines of war; they turned them to the engines of peace, with new ships & installations to replace what was lost, to spearhead the new frontier. They did not look to hold on to what was theirs by denying everything else; they held on to it by seeing MORE. Starfleet & the Federation spent 2 years enforcing the peace. Now it would return to creating the peace.
      
      There is a severe difference between the peace of the gun & the peace of the open hand. Belief in the former was necessary to survive the war; belief in the latter is necessary to survive the aftermath.
      
      Class dismissed.
       

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