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Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Welcome, gentlemen and ladies, to the Valten Sector. For those of you new to the game (ha!), “You’re the Admiral!” is a semi-directed hypothetical discussion of Starfleet operations and activities. As the Rear Admiral in this sector, it’ll be your job to assemble, deploy, and manage the starships assigned to this area.

General notes, for those of you unfamiliar with the tradition, or have forgotten:
(Side notes: Yes, this scenario is “part one” of a potentially multi-part scenario. I’ve had this idea in the back of my head for quite a while, so I figured now would be a good time to try it. It’ll be either epic—or an epic fail. If any of you have read the other YtA! scenarios archived on my website, you’ll find that a few questions early on will be borrowed from a similar scenario I started a long time ago, but never finished.)

(Also, some of the developments may feel like a foregone conclusion considering our historical perspective. Try to avoid jumping to conclusions, and stick to contemporary-style roleplaying… though of course your interpretation of what that style is can be up for debate!)

Introduction



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Click for a bigger map!


Time frame: Stardate 27038.4 (common year 2350). Construction of the first Galaxy-class starships has only just begun, and the Federation recently renewed its peace treaty with the Klingon Empire at the Second Khitomer Conference. But just as one conflict has finally concluded, another one may be brewing.

The Federation has had contact with the Cardassian Union for the last 20 years or so, but recently those contacts have become more frequent and more belligerent. The Cardassians seem to have a program of expansion underway, annexing worlds along their frontier and building up a military force. What’s even more disturbing is how they’re treating the worlds they annex; sketchy reports have reached Starfleet Intelligence about horrific conditions on the planet Bajor, for example. Starfleet Command’s goal is to avoid a war at almost any cost, but they also want to establish a good bargaining position for the inevitable border negotiations which Federation diplomats expect will eventually happen.

The entire frontier between the Cardassians and the Federation contains a high concentration of habitable worlds and raw materials, notably higher than the galactic average. In this sector, the colony on Valten II was established about 20 years ago and is flourishing nicely; the colonies of Minos Korva and Iadara were both established about 10 years ago. Other star systems have been scouted to various degree but not thoroughly surveyed or claimed.

Two years ago, the Cardassians established a colony on Omekla III. Based on long-range intelligence scans, they’re setting up a strong defense system above the planet and have begun heavy mining on the planet’s surface. They have a small squadron of warships, 1 Galor-class cruiser and 3 Hideki-class scouts.

The Xepolite homeworld is in the sector to the “south,” and they’ve established a small trading station to support their commercial fleet. They’ve conducted trade with both the Federation and the Cardassians.

Further Information

Valten II Minos KorvaIadara Omekla III

Question One


  1. Consider the background information provided above to be your briefing as you assume your duties in this sector. Define what Starfleet’s priorities in this sector should be. Also, note any gaps in the information provided, and where you’d want to focus your intelligence gathering.

  2. Starfleet wants to establish a small outpost in this sector to support fleet operations. This base will be smaller than Starbase 375, which is about 2 weeks’ travel to the “north” of this sector. It could be either a ground-based or space-based outpost, perhaps up to the size of, say, Jupiter Station. Choose a location to establish this outpost, and justify your decision.

  3. The Federation is planning to accelerate its colonization program in this region, to counter the increasing Cardassian presence and to deny access to those worlds. The Federation Colonization Bureau wants your input on which systems would be best to colonize first. Select two planets for your recommendation based on the map and the information above, and explain your reasoning. (Habitable planets are marked (H) on the map.)

  4. Compose a request to Starfleet for your task force in this sector. Assume you’ve arrived in this sector aboard an Excelsior-class cruiser, which will be joining your fleet. In addition to that ship, justify a reasonable number and breakdown of ships that should be deployed. Specify their primary and secondary duties.

    Assume Starfleet will allocate you no more than EIGHT starships given the priorities you’ve outlined. Define what classes, or types, of ships should be assigned to your fleet. However, Starfleet wishes to avoid creating a provocation in this sector, and has specified that:

    1. There can be no ships larger than an Excelsior-class cruiser, and only TWO ships the size of an Excelsior. (In other words, no Nebulas or Ambassadors for now.)

    2. Your fleet will include at least THREE non-combat type ships (science, transport, etc.). Justify their presence and/or use.

    3. Of the remainder, explain their primary and secondary missions.



(As always, feel free to use any starship designs you like, but please link to a reference page for any non-canon ships, so the rest of us know what you’re playing with!)
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Initial question: that EXC bringing us in is joining the force, so does that mean it's 8+1, or 7+1?

quote:
For the sake of simplicity, this sector’s cartographical features lie on an essentially flat plane. (“His pattern indicates... two-dimensional thinking.”)
Laziness, I call it. The 3D map had so much elegance & potential. Plus you loved figuring out my layouts, admit it.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
The Excelsior you start with counts as part of your 8-ship fleet, yes.

The problem with 3D maps isn't just making them look cool, but also the perspective makes it very difficult to get relative distances when plotted on a 2D image. If someone ever makes an interactive 3D canvas element for web pages, I'll be all over it.

Converting your drawing to the Trek-style design was one thing, actually working with the relationships between systems was quite different. I didn't want to deal with that here. Especially because the map will be getting a bit more complex as time goes on...
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
A) Well, now. Isn't this just a whole load of nothing to work with?

Let's talk about information gaps first, because there's a fuckload of them. This map...where is the actual border? Are there large swaths of claimed space or is it a "system-hopping" form, where it expands slightly with each colony established? If it's the latter, then there's a lot of buffer room, but if it's the former...well, I'd like to know exactly where the Cardassians are going to be touchy about territoriality & where they're not. It would be bad news for one of my ships, or a civilian vessel to blunder into what they claim as theirs without knowing it.

The McAllister C-5 Nebula--what do we know about it? Do we know anything about it? It strikes me as more than coincidental that a heavy military buildup is going on right new a nebula where assets could be hidden. It also strikes me as a perfect staging area for any form of expeditionary force, assuming there's nothing in the nebula that's detrimental to starship integrity.

How are relations with the Xepolites, other than trade? What I'm asking is, are they willing to perform as back-channel or grey-area intermediaries if necessary? Also, are they viable & reliable as sources of information on the Cardassians in general & Omekla III in specific?

Priorities: Well, I can't deny the Cardassians access to resources at the moment. But should the need arise to do so, I'd like the have a plan in hand for doing just that. A defense-in-depth concept goes without saying as well. The "crescent line" that the Federation colonies form makes for a nice defensive frontier, & that should extend at least 3 ly from the worlds.

Furthermore, I'd like to stay in contact with the non-aligned inhabited worlds (those that I'm allowed to stay in contact with) & better relations with them, make them feel as if they can rely on the Federation in general & Starfleet in particular for aid & the like. Any inhabited worlds that are still under pre-warp Prime Directive protection I'd also like to keep an eye on & try to develop some form of response should the Cardassians decide to sink their claws into them. I'd hate to have to just stand by & do nothing, & if there's something that could be done in that situation--or even to prevent that possibility--then I'd like to have that under my belt.

Iadara seen like a prime candidate for Cardassian interest if they look that way; however, I doubt they'll want to risk war by a wholesale invasion of an established & heretofore unchallenged Federation colony. The other 2...I'm not sure. Best to get some intel on food availability within the Union.

B) I'm looking at overall coverage here...& there doesn't seen to be anything in the "southern" section of the sector. I'd like to remedy that, & suggest the outpost be one of the new Deep Space series stations I've heard about being planned. My suggestion would be somewhere along the direct line between Systems E79 & W440 (preferred location) or within the triangle formed by those 2 systems & System E73. Since E73 & W440 are both habitable worlds, this might also make them more attractive by having a nearby station. If there are contactable races on those worlds, perhaps they would be willing to share in a joint operation as well, thus solidifying ties in the sector & guarding against Cardassian proliferation.

C) My preferred choices for future colonies would be in Systems W440 & R047. These would allow me to march the line of space forward & still keep what amounts to that "defence crescent", albeit in a changed shape. I know R047 is close to that nebula & thus would be a prime target for any attack coming through there, but that could perhaps be taken into account when the plans for the colony are developed. Second choices would be Systems J123 & H57; those would allow me to shore up that southern flank & if the station outpost is placed where I recommend, would create a lovely "border chain" along there.

That being said, am I allowed to have a say in the names, because I've got a few doozies.

D) At the moment, I have on station USS Zhiao Lok (NCC-25662), my former command, that Excelsior I rode in to town on. As to the rest of the sector force...I don't think I want to be specific. Certainly patrol forces are needed. I think a light cruiser would supplement Zhiao Lok's presence well, maybe one of those new Sabers or Rigels. Add a frigate & 2 destroyers to that & we have a nice little defense fleet. They could show the flag to the Cardassians while also performing mapping & charting of the sector worlds, as well as diplomatic missions with any contactable races within. For non-combatants, I definitely will be requesting an Oberth to be placed on station for study of that nebula as well as possible sensor picket use should things go south. I'd also request a medical ship (as local medical facilities, while alright for a colony, aren't in my opinion up to snuff for possible invasion or aid-rendering purposes. The last non-combatant should be a cargo carrier or (if possible) a freighter. There's a need for more supply movement, & they could be pressed into possible use as a transport in times of emergency until true transports can arrive.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
The Xepolites are generally neutral but willing to look the other way when it suits their interest. Their commercial fleet does range a fair distance, say across 2 or 3 sectors' distance into both Cardassians and Federation space.

There's no border because it simply hasn't been defined. Until recently there was no need for a defined border in this sector. And the diplomatic contacts with the Cardassians haven't been friendly enough to make any real deals yet.

As for names... Well, we'll see. For consistency I'd like to use the same names for all players, but I'd love some help coming up with some new names too. I'm also working on some extra info on the prospective colonies for a future question.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
C'mon, guys? No one else is interested?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
A couple of orders of business first:

Shik, you get naming rights for the first two planets; W440 and R047. [Smile]

For the interests of consistency and clarity, these names will be "canonical" going forward for all players, and if/when there's need for a new map, the names will be included too.

Also, I realized that I completely forgot to include this extra bit of supplemental information in the background info. It’s (maybe) pretty important when picking which planets to settle. My bad! —Shik, if you want to revise your systems based on this info, please go ahead!

Supplementary Supplemental Info

System R102
Planet II: Class L, notable variety of plant life, thin atmosphere
System T512
Planet IV: Class M, habitable but with an eccentric orbit, experiences more extreme seasonal climate changes
System R047
Planet III: Class M, promising indications of valuable mineral resources
System G38
Planet IV: Class M, warmer than average with thick but habitable atmosphere
System J123
Planet III: Class M, temperate and stable climate, long growing season
Planet IV: Class M, cold but habitable
System E73
Planet VII: Class L moon orbiting Class J giant, possible outpost to support asteroid mining
System W440
Planet IV: Class M, negligible large fauna, local star experiences periodic flare cycles (planet is habitable with technological defenses and precautions)
System H57
Planet IV: Class M, temperate and stable climate, long growing season
System K484
Planet V: Class M, 85% ocean coverage, strong seasonal storms
System L860
Planet III: Class M, no useful details available, surveyed by long-range scan only

Question Two

  1. Objectively critique one of the other participants’ answers to question one. 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. The fleet you requested from Starfleet Command has been granted in full. All ships have arrived in the sector and are fully functional, and the station has been towed into position in your chosen location. The following scenarios develop during your first month in the Valten Sector. For each scenario, describe the nearest or most relevant starship(s), what your ships will do in response, and how your fleet deployment might change in response. Describe any diplomatic efforts your staff would undertake as well.

    1. Your starship on patrol closest to System E73 detects what at first appears to be a sensor glitch, then is determined to be a Cardassian Hideki-class scout shadowing it. It seems to take no offensive action, but is believed to have been following your starship for at least three days.

    2. The first two colony ships are entering the sector, and will be setting up shop on the planets based on your recommendation in the previous question. The Federation Colonization Bureau requests your recommendation for the location of the next colony, which will be set up in the coming months. Also, describe how the establishing of this new colony would or would not affect your current fleet deployment and strategy.

    3. There’s a mining accident on Iadara. An equipment malfunction releases a cloud of industrial gases into the atmosphere, suffocating 23 miners who were in a nearby tunnel and forcing everyone nearby to take shelter indoors. Unfortunately, the cloud isn’t dissipating very quickly because the mine is located in a steep valley. The local authorities ask for immediate help with the cleanup.

    4. Long-range sensors detect a number of ships, probably Cardassian, heading from Omekla to System L860. Telemetry is spotty but indicates several transport ships, and probably a Galor cruiser as escort.

  3. Starfleet Command informs you that preliminary negotiations with the Cardassians have begun concerning the definition of the border with the Federation. Currently the negotiations are focused on much more populated sectors to the north; there’s been no discussions about the region near the Valten Sector. However, Starfleet would like your input; your recommendation will be included in a strategic report sent to the ambassadors involved in the negotiations. Describe where you think the border should lie, anticipating possible claims by the Cardassians, and justify your thoughts.

  4. Create your own scenario like the ones presented in part (B). Any reasonable military, political, or scientific scenario is acceptable. However, do not answer the scenario yourself. Rather, it will be answered by the other participants as part of the next set of questions.


 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
I'd like to join in, but running a little short for time at the moment so I'll just answer question one for now. This'll give Shik something to critique. [Wink]

Question One

A) It seems as though current policy is to enable the establishment of colonies for all those colonists wanting to make a fresh start. Therefore, I believe that Starfleet's mandate for this area should be to facilitate the colonization of desireable planets for the colonists and provide support for the first 18 months of settlement. This will hopefully stabilize the spotty border presently established with the Cardassian Union and maybe hold back their expansion into UFP interests.

As mentioned by my colleague Admiral Shik, there are many gaps in provided information thus far. What are Cardassian expectations for a border? Do they want some kind of buffer between the UFP and their interests? A sort of zone with no armaments? [Wink]

If at all possible, I would like to ascertain what the Cardassian intentions are for this area. Are they building up forces in the Omekla system? Hiding a fleet in the nebula? Planting mines in the nebula?

B) Going from past experience with similar postings, I have reservations about establishing land based Starfleet facilities in "new" sectors as there is always a risk of discovering sentient beings under Prime Directive protection. Also, in the interest of keeping a closer eye on Cardassian activities and hopefully not having the McAllister Nebula serve as a sensor blind, I would like to place my outpost on the moon orbiting E73-VII.

C)My recommendations for first-in-line locations for colonies would be H57-IV, due to potential for large crop yields, and J123-III for the same reasons. We are more interested in establishment of self-sustaining colonies than exploiting mineral resources. These planets also seem to be less likely targets for Cardassian colonization.

D) In addition to the Excelsior I rode in on, I would like to request:
-Two Renaissance-class light cruisers (ASDB-style)
-Two Freedom-class destroyers
-One Istanbul-class transport
-One Olympic-class multi-purpose vessel
-One Oberth-class scout

I would like to place the Renaissance-class ships in a support role for the two new colonies. They will patrol the immediate area and offer assistance to the colonists as required. The Freedom-class ships will be on general picket duty in the sector, each covering roughly half of current UFP claimed areas. The Excelsior will run a patrol through the three existing colonies and the new outpost, as well as be on hand to support the Oberth, which will be running scans of the nebula. The Istanbul-class ships will assist in the colonization efforts of the new colonies as well as transport goods and food stuffs from and between the existing colonies in the sector. The Olympic will act as a mobile hospital for the sector until a proper Starfleet-grade hospital can be established either on one of the colony worlds or the outpost. The Olympic I have in mind, however, will not be solely a hospital ship; I would like it to also have a modern sensor suite and stellar cartography setup to act as a recipient for data coming from the Oberth.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I'm in the middle of composing my reply, but...work. But soon.
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Hi everybody. Sorry to join the party late, but here goes.

A. I think that SF needs to shore up the established presence in the area to possibly put off potential Cardassian expansion / aggression but also to be prepared to take possession of all nearby resources in case things get hot here. We need to find out what the Cardassians have in mind for the region, and especially how far they think their influence extends for when a boarder is drawn formally. We want don’t want to look like a walkover, but we also don’t want to be aggressive to a potentially hostile race.

I don’t know what the boarder situation is and if SF are expecting me to help establish one if none formally exists. I also don’t know how far SF want me to prod the Cardassians – are we looking for weaknesses or are we really just encouraging new colonies in this region.

I doubt the new Khitomer accords will have any bearing on the situation here, but I don’t know. The Xepolites might be useful intermediaries or sources of information, but then again might be allied to the Cardassians, we don’t know. We also don’t know anything about the Nebula, and there are always interesting gas pockets to hide a potential first strike fleet in…

B. A space station is likely to be more suited to this region, given the likelihood the boarder might change at any point soon – we can move (or destroy) it faster than a land base and it also means we can site it around non class M sites. I propose placing it in orbit of E73 VII, ostensibly to promote mining in the system (and in the process denying anyone else from grabbing it). The Cardassians will probably call it as they see it, but it will allow me to watch them from as near as I dare tread.

C. H57 IV looks nice as a southern extension of our influence and should provide a nice agricultural based community, which usually do well and can help boost trade with the Xepolites.

K484 is a bit close to them and offers little to me other than a runny nose. I also suggest a colony on J123 III which also should be fairly easy to successfully establish a successful colony that will be self-sufficient, as well as offering potential expansion to IV as well at a later date. We can also monitor the nebula and the corridor between it and Minos Korva.

It is my hope that by not grabbing R047 the Cardassians will not accuse us of resource grabbing, but it still is within reach if we want to. The southward expansion puts us in a (hopefully) good negotiating position for making a boarder claim, but also spreads out targets in the region and helps justify the placing of a Starbase in System E73.

D. My Excelsior can patrol the regions around E73, H57, Minos Korva and J123/G38. My additional fleet requests are a light cruiser and two frigates (e.g.Wellington class and New Orleans class) for colony protection and support, two larger transports (e.g Yorkshire or Istanbul) a small scout (e.g. upgraded Ranger) and a science vessel (e.g. Oberth) for recon and system examination. They might also be useful in monitoring / exploring the nebula should we suspect any goings on in there.
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
I'll have a think about question 2 later on and reply when I get a chance.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
I'll hold off the next question for a couple days to let everyone catch up. My schedule is whacked now anyway, determined by a computer program that does all the scheduling. Sigh.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
No, I think I'll leave my choices as is. They suit. Right, then.

A) Limited choices...

Generally, I can see no problems with anything Fabbie's stated. My only question is why worry about farming colonies, because in these days farming is not as essential to self-sufficiency as it once was, but what do I know?

B) I HAZ A FLEET. What's it look like?

B.1) That would be Sumati being shadowed. Well, the Cardassians have taken no overt actions, so what is there to do? The Hideki is there probably doing similar area patrols as my ship is (although they're also probably scouting E73 for their own nefarious purposes). I wonder if they're also trying to scan my station as well (now designated Deep Space 3)? I'll need some intel on that as well. PROCTOOOORR!!

B.2) I'll have to send out the welcome wagon. Or starship. Whichever.

...Actually, that's a really good idea. I'm detailing Nsenga & Vermont to escort the colonization convoys as the enter the sector & head to their destinations. Nsenga will head to R047-III (to be named Baro Foro upon settling) & Vermont to W440-IV (to be named Amanda).

As for a recommendation for the 3rd colony , I was considering J123-III; however, I'm not liking the possible flanking maneuver that border negotiations might allow the Cardassians. Therefore, my recommendation is going to be for K484-V. It's essentially a pelagic planet, which affords great research & hydrofarming opportunities. On a defensive note, it's easier to hide things at the bottom of a seafloor than it is on open land. I realize selection of this site leaves sort of a gaping maw of openness should there be an attack through the nebula, but I think I can risk that with classic pincer-style defense actions should this occur.

B.3) Aaaand this is why we have science ships handy! Dispatch Aaron Satie to Iadara forthwith to assist in medical & personitarian aid.

B.4) Can we say "colonization convoy"? Or more likely, "invasion force"? Why do I have shitty intel from there? Who's running this place? PROCTOOOORR!!

Le sigh. Alright, well...Sumati is already in the area as part of her patrol course; I bet this is why that Hideki was keeping an eye on her. I'm directing Zhiao Lok to rendezvous with Sumati, officially to show the flag some & unofficially to collect as much information as they can without being detected. The how is up to the discretion of Zhiao Lok's captain, the senior officer in charge. Don't piss off the neighbors, but get me that information on the force & whatever you can on that planet. For the flag-showing, don't be offensive, but be defensive if the need arises.

C) Here's the thing: I think they're already pissed because we've started laying claim to some two-thirds of the sector. As far as I'm concerned, if there's no strategic or tactical need to System L860, let them have it. Honestly, I'd like to see the line drawn along "our" side of the nebula, along the colony chain I've been establishing, even to the point of conceding E73 to them. That nebula is my primary concern, though: if we give it to them, they can use it for a secret staging area; if we keep it to our selves, they'll say the same thing. My suggestion would be to split the border around the nebula, making it a neutral buffer area. In the negotiations, include a clause that while vessels from either government can enter enter it, it cannot be utilized for military purposes--scientific research only, & that coming with proper notification of the other. Talk about joint science operations might rile them some...but we might also gain some contacts in that allegedly moribund Cardassian Science Ministry that could be useful in the long term.

D) A small Klingon task group (2 B'Rels & a K't'inga) decloaks outside your base's defense perimeter & requests rest & resupply as reaffirmed per the recent 2nd Khitomer Accords. While the Klingons are making use of the base's facilities you hear word from your staff that they are boasting loudly about an encounter with a Cardassian patrol group some 4 days ago--a patrol group that you have learned from your intelligence briefings has been discovered destroyed by the Cardassian search parties. Explain the ramifications of this information, its potential usefulness and/or detriments, & how you plan to utilize it or not & why.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
I've never heard anyone shout, "Is there a proctor in the house?" before... [Wink]

B.1) If your station is in the same system or general vicinity as the Hideki, you can take it for granted that it's there to investigate anything interesting.

B.3) This is life on the edge of the frontier. Ships simply haven't made it out that far. Sensors can only determine so much without having a weeks-long survey mission to visit the planet in person. And maybe the Starfleet survey ship needed to turn back before making it that far for some reason or another.

Fabrux and Ginger, since you both picked the same systems, you each get to name one.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
My love for the "Police Academy" movies goes unsupported. Le sigh.

When I ask those questions, I ask them not as me to you, but rather "in character" as Rear Admiral Me. Just FYI.

I am liking letting everyone name these worlds. It will be a nicely diverse nameaet, which is as it should be.
 
Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
 
sorry - I've been swamped with life lately. Will try to post & catch up soon.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
No worries!

The next question will be ready on Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
It's a shorter set of questions this time, to let everyone catch up. [Smile]

Question Three

  1. Choose one of the situations from Part (D) of Question Two and respond to it.

  2. Your sector intelligence officer briefs you on a plan to gather details about Cardassian space by placing operatives aboard three Xepolite freighters operating between the Xepolite outpost, Omekla, and the sector to the “west”. What specific kinds of information would you be looking to gather? Examine the potential benefits of success and the penalties for failure. Will you approve her plan?

  3. Long-range sensors detect a formation of Cardassian ships heading around the “southern” edge of the McAllister Nebula, heading towards the “northeast”. Their destination can’t be precisely determined, but you can identify four large transports, plus a Galor and 2 Hidekis as escort. What is your nearest starship to that area, and how will you react to this advance?

  4. Starfleet reports that talks with the Cardassians are becoming more belligerent. Your superiors instruct you to draw up a plan to defend the sector from possible attack. Outline possible targets in the sector in order of defensive priority and location. Assume an attacking fleet of, at most, 4 Galor-class cruisers and their accompanying support ships.


 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
How did I know this was coming?

So if no one answers, do I get to not anser my own Part D?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Why don't you save 3(A) until someone else responds. I'm an optimist. [Wink]
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Righto, sorry for the delay (again). I'm finishing my thesis this week for an early May deadline, so please excuse my tardiness.

Ok, where were we?

A) I'll go for Shik then. I can't see anything wrong with the questions you've asked, nor with the choice to expand 'Southwards', which helps define Fed space as the right hand side of the board, good for drawing a boarder. Your colony placement is clever, exhibiting a note of caution but at the same time allowing for possible explanation, contraction or defence, as you see fit. I also like the idea of a medical ship, that's a nice touch and will probably be useful.

B.1) Starfleet command has given me six ships in addition to the Renown which I arrived with:
* USS RENOWN (Excelsior class, Explorer) NCC-2543
* USS WELLINGTON (Niagara Class, Light Cruiser) NCC-33821
* USS HOKKAIDO (New Orleans Class, Frigate) NCC-65492
* USS ROTHERHAM (Yorkshire Class, Transport) NCC 54923
* USS OUAGADOUGO (Istanbul Class, Heavy Transport) NCC-38531
* USS WALKER (Ranger Class, Light Scout) NCC-7112
* USS MOORE (Oberth Class, Science Vessel) NCC-619

The Renown has reported a shadow. We don't know their intent, but if they are a Hideki class, then they are out gunned by the Renown and likely know it. They may also be on a patrol, but why follow our patrol? They are probably just being deliberate twats, trying us on to see what we do. I'll order the Renown to drop passive sentry probes to determine the fleet and if they are scanning us. Hopefully they won't notice.

B.2) Colonising has begun on H57 VI and J123 III. J123 III is being assisted by the Ouagadougou, H57 VI by the Rotherham and Hokkaido. The Governor of H57 VI reports that by a popular vote the name of the planet is Shawaddywaddy. J123 III has not reported any name yet.

Renown shall continue to patrol SW, around systems E73 and J123, with Hokkaido taking up a Minos Korva - H57 patrol after helping establish the colony. Moore can keep an eye on G38, which (mostly to create a boarder this side of the Nebula) I am suggesting for the next colony. Wellington can fly the flag 'up north' while Walker can explore K484 for colony suitability.

B.3) Dispatch war rocket Ajax, to bring back his body. Or Wellington to assist with aid, whatever is needed.

B.4) That's cool with me, I thought they'd want that system and they can. The one that worries me is T512, which is too close to Iadara for comfort but might be well suited climatically to the Cardassians. What I do want to know is the size of the force, so the Renown can alter it's patrol to scan them at the longest range they can get useful reconnaissance at. No point in getting into a fight yet...

C) It worries me that they want the North of the sector, as it brings them very close to us. I foresee a meandering boarder that will encompass R186, T512, T814, R047 & the nebula, plus perhaps G40 and even G52.

Taking the nebula could give them a huge tactical advantage with the nebula acting as a staging area for incursions, or simply drawing our attention because of our fears and leaving us vulnerable elsewhere. I suspect if we attempt to take it by force it could be an excuse for a fight, or even a war.

Taking the mentioned systems could make it difficult for us to move around the sector freely, especially if they take G40 and G52, which I suggest we secure first. I suggest should we need to bargain, we offer them R73, which might make us loose face, but cold buy up peace. They are unlikely to want to colonise K484, but it might make strategic sense for them to do so. I anticipate a grab on W440, which might cut our direct lines between H57 and
e73.

D) Reports (second hand via traders) suggest that Cardassians have been transporting 'political prisoners' into the region. However it is likely that these are in fact slave labourers brought in to help colonise L860. We have no direct evidence, but there are indications that the Xepolites are aware of this and turning a blind eye to the captains of these transports docking at their station, and may even be permitting the trading of slaves.

What potential ramifications does this information have on your relations with the Xepolites, and how (if at all) will you act upon it?
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I looked up Showaddywaddy. Cheeky.
 
Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
 
Apologies all -- my answers to Question One, and hopefully more coming later today.

A.) Starfleet's priorities should be ensuring the protection of Federation colonies; protecting traffic in trade routes; and if at all possible accelerating mining or colonization plans for additional planets in the sector. Additionally, Starfleet should be prepared to respond with force in the circumstance of Cardassian aggression against the Xepolite – it would be a tragedy to see a repeat of Bajor. I would also like to know more about the nebula, as it may serve as a route for an invasion force of Iadara; or, alternatively, in the case of hostilities with the Cardassians, could serve well as a staging location for a strike on their colony.

B.) I would choose the space-based option in orbit of Valten II; here, forces staged at the base are roughly equidistant from both Minor Korva and Iadara, and a Cardassian attack force would likely need to pass the orbital sensor grids of one or both of those colonies to attempt a first-strike to knock Starfleet out of the sector.

C.) I recommend colonization of T512 and H57. T512 is close to Iadara and far from the Cardassians so as to avoid antagonizing them; H57 is near Xepolite and may serve to curb any Cardassian aggression there.

D.) In addition to my Excelsior Class starship (I arrived on USS Little Round Top), I request USS Aba'Kur (Excelsior); USS Alexandria (Miranda), USS Thunder Child (Miranda), USS Coma Berenices (Constellation), USS Pascal (Oberth), USS John W. Brown (Transport), USS Hope (Medical ship)

Pascal will begin an intense sensor sweep of remaining habital worlds in the sector so that a colonization priority list can be established. If the possibility of additional colonization is realized, we want to make sure we're getting the gems.

Coma Berenices will be instructed to conduct a thorough examination of the nebula with an eye towards tactical advantages which could be turned to our advantage, or used against us, and what steps can be taken to counter those advantages.

John W. Brown will be used to ferry supplies to our new colonies.

Hope, escorted by Thunder Child, will conduct a peace tour of the sector. The ships will visit the Federation colonies, the Xepolite trading post (and perhaps out of sector to their homeworld), and also, if it is permissible, to the Cardassian colony as a way, ideally, of lowering tensions.

The remaining ships – Aba'Kur, Little Round Top, and Alexandria will remain in the vicinity of the existing Federation colonies. There is no need to provide provocation to the Cardassians.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Hey Jeff! You get naming rights for T512. [Smile]
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I'm holding off until I have more than a single person to choose from.
 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
Sorry everyone for the delays. I'm running Daddy Day Care these days due to funemployment, and the end of the month conicided with both my club's annual model show and my daughter's first birthday. Busy busy!


Question Two

A) Snay: Placing your new base at an established colony doesn't seem to be fitting in with the mandate of expanding/defining a border in the sector, especially if your two proposed colonies lie between the base and Cardassian interests in the sector. But, YMMV.

B) My fleet breakdown is as follows:

USS Vindrus NCC-25390, Excelsior-class
USS Pikes Peak NCC-36607, Renaissance-class
USS Soengdeok NCC-43916, Renaissance-class
USS al-Kazim NCC-44289, Freedom-class
USS Vittoria NCC-45433, Freedom-class
USS Toowomba NCC-51216, Istanbul-class
USS Ajuntunen NCC-57120, Olympic-class
USS Rocchemback NCC-46529, Oberth-class


B.1) The ship in question would be the Vindrus, who's captain is none too pleased with the shadow and performs a few Crazy Ivans to try and shake them off.

B.2) The colonist's council on J123-III has passed the motion to name their new home Beaumonde. As for the next candidate for colonization, I would like to recommend G38-IV. It is located near Beaumonde and will be easily serviced by local patrols as well as tightening up the UFP border.

B.3) I've sent the Ajuntunen off to Iadara to render assistance with the disaster.

B.4) If the Cardassians are showing interest in L860, I have no immediate problems with that. It puts them closer to my new base at E73-VII, but that just means I can keep a closer eye on them. I divert the Pikes Peak to the Xepolite trading post to see if they can sniff around and see what the Cardassians are up to, running better scans along the way.

C) Seeing as how I've placed my outpost in the system closest to the Cardassian-occupied portion of the sector, I imagine the border negotiations in this sector will be somewhat dicey. Obviously, I would recommend keeping E73-IV within the UFP border, but if push comes to shove we could move the outpost if necessary. Or blow it up.

That being said, I suggest that the border should start right smack dab in the middle of the nebula. It presents too much of a blind spot to potential forces build up and I would like to keep that avenue closed to the Cardassians if possible. The border would then continue "south" 20 ly "west" of E73 and then run between K484 and T734 on its way out of the sector. However, given the suspected shortage of mineral resources in the Cardassian Union suggested by information coming out of Bajor, I expect the Cardassians will want to include R047 on their side of the border. This would cause some issues with the nebula, but I think a "bubble" in the border may be workable.

D) As expected, your ship closest to the nebula picks up a Cardassian convoy consisting of several transports and a Keldon-class vessel coming out of the nebula and heading on a course that will take them straight to system R047. How does this affect your colonization efforts/recommendations? How do you react?


Question Three

A) (Ginger) We don't like slavers, no siree. But, if this is an internal Cardassian matter there is really little we can do about it. Some intel gathering is required of this situation, if at the very least to confirm/deny the suggestion that the Cardassians are using slave labour and if the Xepolites are assisting in the slave trade, then I believe one of my vessels may suffer a tragic systems malfunction in the vicinity of the Xepolite outpost and need to dock for long-term repairs.

B) This is the perfect opportunity to figure out of the reports of slave labour on L860-III. This will also hopefully give us some indications of where the next Cardassian colonization convoy will be headed. Plan approved and given full backing.

C) Knowing a little bit about Cardassian physiology and their preference for warm climates, I suspect that this convoy may be heading to the G38 system. I'm hoping this is the case and they're not making a grab for R047; it would be a shame to see them rape and pillage R047-III as Cardassian mining methods are not known to be particularly enfironmentally friendly. As an aside, if they are heading to R047 that spells trouble for Admiral Shik's colony of Baro Foro. The Vittoria happens to be the nearest ship to this little wagon train and I order them to rendez vous with the Pikes Peak and get as close to the convoy as they can to see if they can determine where the convoy is heading and what they are carrying. I'm hoping that our superior sensors can run fairly detailed scans of the Cardassian vessels without being detected by them.

D) Again, given the need to feed their war machine, the Cardassians will most likely be interested in those systems that are heavy in easily extractable mineral resources. I highly doubt that they will be looking for their next vacation spot in the Valten Sector. With that in mind, likely targets in order of priorty are Iadara, E73-VII, and R047-III. Iadara is an established mining colony with abundant resources and is already in production. This would be a very tempting first target as the Cardassians would be able to receive almost immediate return from their investment in capturing the colony. System R047 also presents a likely target for attack, and is closer to existing Cardassian interests but is not presently developed and would leave any forces stationed there open for a return attack with reinforcements. System E73 is presently the closest to Cardassian interests and home to my sector base.

At present, my forces would not be able to hold their own against a force of four Galor-class vessels without leaving the rest of the sector unpatrolled and this only assuming that we had enough advance intelligence to know where they were targetting to be able to move adequate response to meet up with the invasion force. I submit that, in order to adequately defend UFP interests in this sector against the specified force, I will need reinforcements. Two New Orleans-class frigates and an additional two Freedom-class destroyers should be enough to hold them off.

To that end, I would divert one of the New Orleans-class ships to patrol the area between R047 and T482 along with two Freedom-class ships and the Soengdeok. The other New Orleans-class will patrol the area around E73 accompanied by the remaining two destroyers. Being the sector base, the Pikes Peak and Vindrus will also be within reasonable response time.

[ June 03, 2014, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: Fabrux ]
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
MEDICAL SHIP FROM THE FUTURE.
 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
Oops. Forgot what year we were in. Let me fix that...
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Nice one Fabrux, I'll try and post something tonight or tomorrow. TTFN
 
Posted by akb1979 (Member # 557) on :
 
Question One

1A)

Gaps
Where exactly is the border - map is not clear enough. Speaking of which, has this area been fully and clearly mapped out? Do we know of all stars, planets, nebulae and other potential hazards?

What is our relationship with the Xepolites, beyond trade?

What is the Cardassian's relationship with the Xepolites, beyond trade?

What are the intentions of the Cardassians in this area - where do they plan to expand to next?

The McAllister C-5 Nebula - has this been surveyed? If not, is it a potential threat-building area?

Priorities
Establish a presence in the area - show the flag as it were. Make sure that the Cardassians know I'm there and that I've got some teeth should they decide to cause trouble.

Determine if the Federation colonies need anything that I can provide - supplies, equipment, person-power. Ensure the safety of Federation citizens and protect trade routes.

Support existing mining and colonisation efforts, spurring them on if possible but without ruffling any feathers.

Fill any gaps in my knowledge - the nebula is a good start as is the southern area where I only have sensor data and not surveyed information.

1B)
There doesn't appear to be much in the southern area except the Xepolites, but I want to keep them within reach of any reaction force should the need arise. I'm tempted with placing my space-based outpost either:

i) in orbit of E73-VII's moon for support of future asteroid mining, or
ii) within the J123 system around planet III in support of future colonisation efforts

1C)
I would support colonisation of planets:

i) J123-III to establish another agricultural colony to support the growing sector population, and
ii) R047-III as it has a friendly atmosphere and mineral resources that I'd rather have.

If any of these planets are not suitable due to various reasons (pre-warp civilisation for example) then I would include H57-IV as a reserve potential. It would allow additional agricultural capacity and also provide a presence in the southern area.

1D)

1) USS Courageous (NCC-38983), Excelsior-class.
2) USS Redoubtable, Korolev-class heavy cruiser. Some teeth to add to those of my Excelsior allowing me to spread my firepower if needed. (ASDB-style)
3) USS Gordon, Renaissance-class light cruiser (ASDB-style)
4) USS Copernicus, Merced-class frigate (ASDB-style)
5) USS Pompeii, Merced-class frigate (ASDB-style)
6) USS Quib Quib, Istanbul-class transport for ferrying colonies and supplies(ASDB-style)
7) USS Constable, Mediterranean-class technical supply ship for medical, technical and scientific equipment (ASDB-style)
8) USS Wanderer, Oberth-class for reconnaissance and surveying of low-detailed areas


The Merced's and Renaissance will patrol the northern area around the McAllister Nebular with the Korolev hovering somewhere between the McAllister Nebula and Minos Korva. I would have the Istanbul and Mediterranean ships helping with colonisation efforts whilst the Oberth surveys around and plugs any gaps in our sensor data. I'm especially interested in getting a clearer picture of L860-III.

Question Two
2A)
I think all answers for question one are good and valid, with reasonable thinking being shown behind the answers. I'm just a tad rusty at this so will hold off going further.

2B)
i) This would be one of my Merced's - the Pompeii. I'd initially not make any kind of move to indicate that I'd spotted them. If they think they've not been detected they might make a mistake that I can later take advantage of. They've taken no aggressive action so what's the harm in them following my ship as it innocently patrols the area?

ii) As stated in 1C I'd go with H57-IV. As to how this would affect my fleet deployment, I'd likely shift one of my Merced's so that it was close by, leaving the other ships where they were but a little more spread out - Renaissance - Merced - Korolev - Merced (NW-SE direction).

iii) I immediately dispatch my Istanbul and Mediterranean ships to Iadara as well as my Excelsior to assist with relief efforts.

iv) I'd move my top Merced (the Copernicus) a little south to be around J123, move the Redoubtable and Pompeii towards E73 as well as move the Courageous SW towards G38. I'd also move the Wanderer to E73 for extra sensor data. I'd also attempt to contact the Cardassians and ask them in a friendly manner as to their intentions and hope that they answer. I'd be ready for potential trouble.


- Image 2B iv

2C)
I would have the borders drawn as outlined in my attachment, leaving the McAllister Nebula in neutral space and leaving some planets for the Cardassians to take. If they really want W440-IV with it's flare cycles and K484-V with its strong storms, let them have them. This will give the Federation more territory but we had more to start with. The issue here would be trading with the Xepolites (Orange) - we'd have to cross Cardassian territory to get to them unless they used ships to get to our space.


- Image 2C

2D)
The Hideki-class scout that was shadowing your ship patrolling E73 runs into difficulties, serious by the looks of it as you notice escape pods being launched. Your sensor readings are fluctuating wildly and are making it hard to understand what exactly has happened. Your patrol ship is the nearest that is able to assist but it is far from support from any of your other ships. You might be able to send some runabouts from your station but they'll still take time to get there. Your chief of security believes that it is a trap, your medical officer insists that you render aid. What do you do?

Question Three

3A)
Bloody hell those Klingons...Well...the Klingons are our allies and the Cardassians might hold us responsible for the attack merely by being friendly with the Klingons. Of course the Federation can deny any involvement and keep our hands clean of the issue, but also state we are deeply saddened by their loss (the only good Cardi is a dead one). The Cardassians might redeploy their ships to a more aggressive stance, placing pressure on my patrols and perhaps also goading the Klingons into an open confrontation. The benefit of the Klingons being here are that they're adding three ships on my side and are a possible distraction for the Cardassians, potentially allowing my ships to operate more freely.

3B)
I'd like to know more about their economy and military forces if possible. I'd be interested to know what resources they have available for backup should hostilities kick off, but I would also be interested to know anything about annexed worlds and their population to see if they rumours of poor treatment are true.

Benefits of success would obviously be a better understanding of my neighbour and their potential. The penalties if our spies get caught, would include but not be exclusive to a major diplomatic mess and potential increased tensions - something I'd want to avoid. We need information for no one likes working blind but is the risk worth it? I'll have to sleep on it.

3C)
My nearest ship will be the Pompeii. The Cardassians are moving directly towards one of my new colonies - that's not good. I'd immediately dispatch the Pompeii towards E73 and then on to J123 (should E73 not be their target) and have them do whatever they can to defend the colony should that be the target. I'd also have the Redoubtable and Copernicus start moving closer for backup as well as the Courageous (though I'd have Copernicus move more slowly in case they turn towards R047). I would leave the Gordon where she is for now. I would have the Wanderer move up to E73 to add sensor telemetry and also be closer should she be needed. I would place all ships and colonies in the sector on yellow alert just to be ready. I would also have my other two ships move to support as they have weapons and if the Cardassians do fight I'll want every weapon available.

3D)
OK so I'm most likely outnumbered here, but not necessarily outgunned. The Cardassians don't have as good technology as the Federation...still.

1) USS Courageous (NCC-38983), Excelsior-class.
Move to E4

2) USS Redoubtable, Korolev-class heavy cruiser.
Move to D6

3) USS Gordon, Renaissance-class light cruiser (ASDB-style)
Hold at D4

4) USS Copernicus, Merced-class frigate (ASDB-style)
Move to C3

5) USS Pompeii, Merced-class frigate (ASDB-style)
Move to D7

6) USS Quib Quib, Istanbul-class transport (ASDB-style)
Move to E4

7) USS Constable, Mediterranean-class (ASDB-style)
Move to D3

8) USS Wanderer, Oberth-class
Move to D7

C3 - Can cover Iadara and R047
D3 - Can cover Iadara and R047
D4 - Covering R047, able to move to J123 easily as well as help intercept any attack heading for Iadara
D6 - Covering J123 and E73, able to move to either easily
D7 - Covering E73, able to move to J123 if required
E4 - Covering J123 and R047, able to respond equally to Iadara or E73

My weaker forces are to the south near E73, with a heavier ship close by should it be required. This heavy ship - the Redoubtable - is in a good position to assist J123 and even R047 if required. I'll call this Group A.
A medium force is around R047 which is able to move to either Iadara or J123 depending on where ships are thrown. Whilst the Constable is primarily a transport ship, it will be able to fight and help harass the Cardassians with the other two ships until help arrives. I'll call this Group B.

Another medium force with the Courageous and Quib Quib. The Quib Quib won't be able to do much in combat, but every phaser and photon torpedo counts. I'd have the Quib Quib perform distraction manoeuvres so the Courageous can hit with its heavier weaponry. This will be Group C and is backup to support primarily Group B and A if needed.

If forced to make a choice...I would sacrifice E73 over the other targets as for me it's the least important and furthest location from my main forces, making it difficult to defend. I'd be able to pull my forces back into a tighter formation and cut down response times.


- Image 3D

If you have trouble viewing the images, let me know and then how I can better display them because I'm useless at this.
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
And here's question 3:

A.akb1979
I am tempted to ignore it unless they send out a distress signal, but in all likelihood that will just end me up in the soup, both with the Cardassians and Starfleet Command...

I'll send the Renown to head towards them, broadcasting their intentions and asking if the Cardassians want our help. If they don't reply I'll carefully, as I smell a potential trap. Renown will approach, scan the ship carefully to attempt to determine life signs, cause of the emergency and mount a rescue as necessitated. It will give me a good chance to get some close up intel on the ship at least, and if possible I might even be able to aid in repairing &/ tow it to E73 for some light espionage on the quiet, before gladly handing it back to the Cardassians when they ask for it back. Hokkaido is on standby to help if the situation gets hot.

If they tell me leave them alone (which I suspect they might) or they destroy the ship there is nothing I can do. If, however, the Cardassians send in reinforcements, we will hail them and offer help - we will make out that we want to help them rather than accuse them of a sneak attack, but we'll be careful to prepare for action if it actually is one.


B.
The pros are that I can gather intel on the Cardassian fleet movements when ever the Xepolites come into contact with them, as the Cardassians are prone to bragging etc. We can also get a better fell for just how tight the Xepolites and the Cardassians are. Hopefully not too close, which we might be able to exploit and gain an ally in this tense region of space. Ideally I'd like to know if L860 is a civilian or (most likely I think) a military outpost. If possible, I'd like to know any rumours about fleet deployments into the Nebula (although most is likely to be just rumour).

The cons are if they get caught. If its by the Xepolites, probably no problem but potentially embarrassing. Worst case, it makes them side with the Cardassians against us. If they end up in the hands of the Cardassians it could be a lot worse - I'm not sure we could mount a rescue, so we may have to burn them. Worryingly, the Cardassians are supposed to be extremely good at getting information out their prisoners. They might even be hauled in front of a court and tried for espionage or worse, potentially souring relations between our two powers. If I were in their shoes in such a scenario, I could conceive that it might make a good pretext for conflict and/or a Federation land snatch. Not good.

Despite my concerns I ok the mission and tell her my priority is intel on L860, fleet movements and boarder plans / space claims.


C.
My nearest ship is currently the Moore, which is as much use as a chocolate poker in a fight. I am ordering the Wellington to later it's patrol route to Iadora <-> G38. Renown will alter patrol to encompass G38 as well, taking a G38 -> J123 -> E73 and back route. Moore will stay in proximity of which ever ship is closest to G38 continue long range sensor sweeps of the nebula. I am also ordering the Hokkaido to patrol the southern region, near E73 and Shawaddywaddy. Walker can stop scanning K484 and report to Minos Korva. If needed it can aid patrols further North or aid Shawaddywaddy from there.

If it kicks of near E73 I am planning a withdrawal, scuttling the station if I need to or relocating it to either J123 or Minos Korva.


D.
As per part C, I intend to rearrange my fleet movements to take a less passive defence already. I anticipate E73 to be a potential target given it's proximity to Cardassian space, and have outlined plans to vacate, rather than defend the area if pressed into a fight.

I expect an attack there, but I expect it to be a diversion to their main front, which will come to the North West from the Nebula. G38 will be poorly defended and newly established, making for a good target. Renown and Wellington should be defence enough, with support from Walker and Hokkaido if needed. Iadara looks a tempting target, but it's too far away for an attack I think, although we'd be chasing them rather then defending if they did.

However, if they strike hard at E73, they may take the system and move onto either J123 (unlikely given proximity to G38) or Shawaddywaddy, which would make a good staging post for an invasion of Minos Korva. If E73 falls I may need to evacuate Shawaddywaddy and form a defensive ring around Minos Korva and J123/G38, splitting my forces into two protective rings. I'd also ask for more help if available and be prepared to evacuate G38 (which will be the easiest to relocate, forcibly if needed).
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Hey AKB, glad you joined in! You get naming rights for E73. I figure everyone's putting outposts there, it should have a name too.

I'll hold off a couple more days to let everyone catch up, expect the next question on Sunday! [Smile]
 
Posted by akb1979 (Member # 557) on :
 
Well I've been inactive here for a while, was bored in my new job and thought of here as I surfed the Net. Glad I did, I have always enjoyed these scenarios.

Naming a system...oooh! [Smile] OK, let's call it it the Wyo system then. [Smile]
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 

Question Four

    1. Objectively critique one of the other answers to Question 3E. Remember to take into account the respondent’s choices in the sector and how they differ from yours. Point out at least one weakness in that defense strategy.

    2. Assume that for the other answer that you are critiquing, that the Cardassian forces do take advantage of any weakness outlined in Part 1 of this question. If you had made that choice, how would you move your forces when the attack came?

  2. The Cardassian convoy spotted in question 3(C) makes for system G38 and settles on the fourth planet, with the warships taking up patrol stations in the system. (The first player to respond to this question gets dibs on the name. Make sure it sounds Cardassian!) On the way, they also established a small outpost in deep space in the grid square immediately “north” of Wyo (fka E73). How will these newly established outposts affect your fleet deployment and your development plans for the sector?

  3. Trade with the Xepolites is increasing; they’re buying larger quantities of foodstuffs from Valten and Minos Korva and transporting them to other systems to the “south” via the trading station. Your intelligence officer relays a report that there might be Cardassian operatives infiltrating the Federation colonies aboard these ships. She recommends instituting stricter scanning and identification protocols for all non-Federation ships landing on colonies in sector, with the goal of locating and detaining any potential infiltrators. What do you think of this proposal?

  4. Given the escalations with the Cardassians on both the diplomatic and military fronts, Starfleet has asked you to submit a plan for strengthening the defenses in your sector.

    1. First, Starfleet will expand the fleet in your sector. They will allocate either one additional heavy cruiser-size ship (of any class), or two smaller starships. Describe what ships you’d like to have assigned (and why), and what their duties in the sector will be.

    2. Review the defenses of the colonies in the sector as well. Assume that the new colonies you established in question two have early warning sensors and basic portable shield generators for defense. What types of additional defenses, either mobile or static, would you recommend? Which colonies might need stronger defenses? Assume that your available resources for building these defenses will be relatively small.

  5. Your starship nearest R047 (or your colony on Baro Foro) observes an unusual event: a large comet unexpectedly strikes Baro Foro II, a class-N (Venus type) planet. This planet had been surveyed, but deemed uninhabitable and unterraformable because of the thick acidic atmosphere which also interferes with detailed scans.

    The impact strips Baro Foro II of most of its heavy atmosphere, and the comet’s water mixes with what’s left to quickly convert the planet to L-class, barely habitable with breathers. What’s more, riches in the form of dilithium, kemacite, latinum, and sarium are discovered once the atmosphere was removed; the mineral wealth is now available for difficult, but practical mining (this is long before particle fountain or transporter technology is advanced enough for remote mining, and probably never will be).

    Two important details: One, a long-range scan shows that the area immediately at the impact crater has fused local kemacite deposits with some unknown stuff that was in the comet, giving it some unusual subspace-altering properties that the Federation science council (and many others) would KILL to get. Two, the environmental changes are purely temporary, and even if someone brings in atmospheric processors, the air will return to an acidic soup within thirty years maximum, rendering any practical mining useless by that time.

    1. Assess how the sudden change will affect the political and military climate for the Federation, the Cardassians, and the Xepolites. How have things changed? What new priorities should the Federation and your fleet concern yourselves with now?

    2. Assume you’ve already sent off your request and whatever ships you requested are on the way but have not yet arrived. Redeploy your fleet and re-assess your defense strategy as outlined in part D.

Question 4(E) written by our old fleet admiral, Mark Nguyen. He actually wrote it for a different YTA scenario that I started long ago, so it may look familiar to some of you who've browsed my website. But that scenario was never finished, and this plot was too cool to leave unfinished!


 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Q3 answers:

1) (akb1979) Yeah, absolutely we'll render aid. If they'll have it; they might tell us to piss off. I actually have 2 ships in the area, Sumati & Zhiao Lok . The latter will respond, with the former continuing its patrol run but also keeping an eye out. Also, there's no harm in enticing some of the Cardassians into possibly telling us tales & maybe making offers of asylum to them; I'm sure they'd do tHe same if the roles were reversed. And if any engineering teams can get a good look at Cardassian equipment & computer files, great. In fact, if there's anyobe in the area on either ship with intel experience, I want them heavily involved.

2) I like this plan. Capital idea, Lieutenant Commander! That's the sort of thinking that puts pips on that collar. In the near-term, I'd want to know about military buildup & expansion plans; in the long term, I need to understand more about the Cardassian culture: how they think, how they operate, their motivations, needs, wants, & reasons. If it fails...well, it's not like Opration Dixie 80 years ago, but honestly, we're just intel-gathering. I can't believe they don't have anyone working for them in our borders. I mean, the Klaestrons are pretty friendly with them, & I bet the Xepoliyes are doing a bit for them as well, so there's a delicious irony in using them for our purposes as well.

3) I'm shocked. Truly.

The nearest ship is Nsenga , which has begun a chart-&-patrol up in that region near R186 & T482 after safely shepherding the colonists to Baro Foro. We'll turn her around & return her near the colony. At the same time, Zheng Zhilong will cut short her survey of T512 to join up, & Vermont will divert up that way as well—she's just finished a resupply dock at DS3 after her shepherd job to Amanda. With a three-pronged pincer, the Cardassians should feel sufficiently noticed & on guard. A Galor & two Hideki s should be easily handled by a light cruiser, a frigate, & a destroyer without a seriously bloodied nose.

But if they're heading to the northeast...hmm. I wonder...might they be trying for G38 or T512? Maybe set up a colony deep in the middle of what's rapidly becoming Federation territory? Wouldn't put it past them; a colony that deep gives them a phalanx from which to create havoc for us, no matter if they're surrounded or not.

4) Sure, they're mad; we've effectivley closed off 60% of the sector to them. Maybe that's why they've struck out for our turf. Four Galor s, though, huh? Grand. I'm not so sure my little defense fleet can handle that without abandoning every other mission it currently has. I'll send a status update to the Quadrant Commander & see if there's a heavier ship or two in a nearby sector I could borrow for a bit if the necessity arises. In the meantime...

Because of my placement of things, I'd expect Baro Foro, Amanda, & DS 3 to be the prime targets—definitely the latter. The station can hold its own, especially with a ship or two assisting. The colonies, though...they might need a defense delay action before allowing them to be temporarily occupied. Neither of them are isolated, though: there are surrounding Federation worlds & outposts to launch multi-vector reclamation counteroffensivea from. That was the idea behind the "defence-in-depth" concept. The only sticklers are if the Cardassians (A) drive for Iadara, in which case they have to go right past Baro Foro & we can intercept them thusly, or (B) they slide around south of Amanda, past K484 & Showaddywady, to do a rear strike against Minos Korva—in which case, we can still hit them at multiple points along their flight path.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Q4 answers:

A.1) (akb1979) I'm really not liking this.

All your forces are essentially massed in a single spot, waiting to be attacked. Despite your plans for coverage, the response times are likely to mean that when the bulk of your main force gets to the attack site, the Cardassians will already be well-entrenched. Also, use of your logistic support ships as combatants is an A-1 no-no in tactics; you'll need those ships to move in troops & move out civilians & wounded, so why risk them in battle if you don't have to? Furthermore, why do you have an Oberth on the thick of things? Will you ram an enemy with it? Better to have it far out in front, at an oblique to the most likely threat force flight path, using its sensor arrays as an advance early-warning & intel picket.

A.2) Shit, I don't know that there's anything that I could do with this plan. I mean, the main force is blown to shit, Cardie boots are tromping on Federation soil wih no or minimal way to remove them, the sector wide open & the command post destroyed or occupied. It's a real clusterfuck. The only thing I could see to do is retreat behind a farther defense perimeter & amass forces enought to go in & dig the fuckers out in a frontal assault, which is a fucking awful thing to have to do. Get ready for a fuckton of attrition.

B) Fuck, I KNEW it! EnTRENCHing little bastards...!

With the colony & the outpost, this now puts them within striking distance of Beaumonde & the as-yet-unnamed/unclaimed sister world (which is their next target, I bet), as well as the three primary targets I outlined: Baro Foro, Amanda & DS3. As far as fleet deployment goes, Vermont is closest, as is Zhiao Lok; let's put them on station nearby & have Sumati expand her patrol to that region. Zheng Zhilong can resume he rest of her mission—no, she can pick up Nsenga's mission, & Nsenga willloiter in the area of Baro Foro. This doesn't really alter my development plans, but it does put a damper on my suggested border line.

C) "Might be?" Or are? There's a big difference, & we're not in a war yet. No, Commander, I understand the need for vigilance—however, we can't be detaining foreign.nationals because they might be spies. Bring me proof & we'll see what we can do. Besides, sometimes having a known spy can work towards one's advantage. So. Get me that proof & we'll go from there. Dismissed.

D.1) Definitely the smaller ships; I can do more with numbers. If they send me another light cruiser, one of those new Sabers would be swell...those, or maybe a Steamrunner or Bastille. I'd rather have swifter, smaller armed vessels that can handle patrol duties & be able to swarm any threat vessel. They'd also fit in well with my defence-indepth. The big ships are nice, but until or unless we'll be seeing serious fleet action they're just a hindrance in a place like this & an excuse for escalation. Let them go handle somethibg big & important...until this becomes big & important.

D.2) Guh. Well, the established three (Iadara, Valten, Minos Korva) I'm less worried about—they're well defended both technologically & by distance from the disputed area. Baro Foro & Amanda, though...Honestly? Neither of them are set up for heavy defense or fighting; those folks just got to those rocks. I'm thinking...I'm thinking small & simple: mines & drones. We can seed those systems with tiered minefields & give them drones akin to the ones used in core world defenses. It's about the best we can do for them, & might slow up the Cardassians until the fleet can respond.

E.1) Holy fucking underwear. Do the Cardassians know yet? I'm sure they know. Fuck fuck fuckity fuck fuck.

OK. We grab the swag. Establishment of the colony automatically made the system Federation territory, & if the Cardassians or Xepolites don't like it, too fucking bad. But now that's a major.military target; the Cards would LOVE to strip it bare & who knows what else they might do with the wonderstuff. So know our tiny little potentially-temporarily-abandonable colony in the middle of fuck-all nowhere has just become prime real estate. Faboo. It goes without saying that Baro Foro is now one of the spots for primary defense...& it means that there won't be any sideways slinking from the Cardassians. They'll strike right for that system, & probably try to claim it in border negotiations.

E.2) Nothing really changes, except I'll have to keep a cruiser or frigate in or near Baro Foro indefinitely; thank fuck I had the foresight to leave Nsenga in the area. The planned mines & drones will still aid in the defence with minimal cost & effort. I'm slightly regretting asking for the smaller ships, but I can deal, & I'm sure that I'll have more cruisers & explorer than I'll know what to do with if...when...the scrum starts.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
My comm intercepts tell me the Cardassians are now referring to G38-IV as Kavnoor.

Also, the colonists on Baro Foro have started calling R047-II by tye name of Te Kerav. That's cute.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
C'mon guys! At this rate the Cardassians are going to settle the whole sector before I can post the next question! Then we'll have to change the name to "You're the Gul!"

(Hmmm..... That's actually not a bad idea. I'll have to give it some thought.)
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Wouldn't it be "You're The Legate"? Or, of still gul, call it " Gul, Whatcha Gone do."
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
I think there's probably some wider scope of rank in the title Gul; after all, Dukat was at different times both military governor of all of Bajor, and later commander of the Second Order—almost certainly equivalent to a fleet formation. In the Federation, those roles would probably be given to admirals. I always thought that Legate was more of a political-military title.

In any event, the following map has no direct bearing on the current scenario questions; I just thought it would be fun to do:

-
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Still up to my neck in theses (see what I did there?) and now sans a home computer - I think the board has died, which is a bit of a buggerance. But these are mere excuses, and excuses are not what s flare it's are made of, so I will try and get an answer tomorrow via the medium of smart phone, or possibly ipad if I can remember where I put it.

And for what it's worth, I always got the impression that Glinn and Gul were ranks earned either by service or through normal promotion routes, vis old navies. Legate was more of an appointed rank, perhaps similar to the honorary ranks royals are given, but with more clout and substance.

I suspect more ranks exist, or possibly Gul equates to "senior officer" and Glinn to "junior officer" and that there are maybe distinctions within these ranks we never heard on screen.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
The lowest ever mentioned was gil, in the DS9TM.

That aside, the map is awesome, especially with all our nicely diverse names there. And everyone else needs to get crackin'!
 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
Cardassian ranks, as per Memory Beta.

Hope to have an answer in the next couple days.
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Sorry about the wait folks, but I had to do this at work. It looks like the mobo is totaled, so am without a home computer for a while, which is just what you need the week before you plan to submit a thesis, isn't it....[/grumble]

Question 4


    Part A
    1. Fabrux. I agree that the way things stand you’d have trouble defending the region. Your patrols leave a wide defensive gap around Baumonde and also leave out the ‘southern’ region, which is a potential (if unlikely) route in through Xepolite territory. However, you have a defensive ring around Wyo and, unlike me you have concentrated your forces into two distinct groups – mine are patrolling the whole region and leaving everything spread pretty thin!
    2. If the convey headed for G38 is a prelude to an invasion fleet they might be able to make a quick break through the gap and make a beeline for Minos Korva, certainly colonising G38 in the process and probably heading forJ123/ Beaumond as well. My patrols would converge on G38 along with Walker to try to stop this, but may have to play catch up if they get too good a head start.


    Part B

    I am not happy with this at all. My patrols will have to alter their routes thus: Wellington will remain North, patrolling Iadara to Baro Foro, with Moore tagging along. Hokaido will continue to support the southern region, but between Wyo and Amanda. Ougadougo and Rotherham (my transports) will be ordered to keep back from the emerging front line. Renown will establish a patrol around Wyo, and Walker will move from Minos Korva to a circular patrol around Beaumonde. Strict instructions will be made to avoid close proximity to Kavndor and the Cardassian outpost. A region wide yellow alert is issued. This puts several colonies in extreme proximity to them and has me very worried.

    Part C

    I’d be most surprised if they didn’t have spies – we do after all. She’s right, in that the priority is to winkle out the spies, but if we start detaining every Tom, Dick and Harry that come by we’re going to start to loose friends, trade and potentially start trouble where we needn’t. The normal procedures we run should suffice until she can show me something more substantial that stating the obvious, and so I recommend further work by our friends on the trading station to try to identify the spymasters in the region. We’re in a cold war at the moment, so we might as well act like it.

    Part D
    1. Well I am tempted by the oomph of a heavy cruiser, such as an Ambassador or Excelsior, common sense tells me to get two ships, perhaps a Challenger to assist the Wyo patrol and and a Freedom to support Beaumond.
    2. I assume that as long established colonies Iadara, Valten and Minos Korva have half decent defences. They are also away from the developing front, so most likely we’ll have warning if they are attacked. To some extent the same applies to Shawaddywaddy, at the moment out of danger. Suggest a good sensor grid upgrade and light defences, such as drones. I don’t want to mine there yet. Wyo base is now my central defence point, and as such should probably have fighters stationed there. Baeumond will benefit from the presence of Walker, but given its position between the Cardassian outpost and their new colony suggests I need to think hard about this. I suspect I might need to mine the system, as I can’t really afford to much more at the moment and order Walker to make the appropriate preparations. I definitely need to upgrade the sensors in this system.


    Part E

    1. Since we were beaten to system G38, I have suggested colonising efforts on Baro Foro and mining on planet II – all in on this one. The Cardassians are sure to have seen the events as we did and we have to beat them to it. Looks like they chose the wrong system to colonise! All transports are to move immediately to the area and Wellington and Moore are to tighten their patrol around that system. I am also going to have to fortify my position there, as I think when the shit hits the fan this system will be the one that the Cardassians go for – proximity to the nebula and their new colony make this a near certainty in my eyes. Let’s get what we can and try to give ourselves the best position for the future. My suspicions are that putting a base in Wyo has helps stave of Cardassian expantion in that region, but that I may lose the system at some point.
    2. As per part D.2 & E.1, I shall have a patrol around the planet and may need to immediately fortify the system, probably the easiest way would be by mining it. I suspect that this is where it’s going to kick off so I may leave the new Challenger around Wyo when it gets here and move the Renown to Baro Foro as well, but there is always the chance that by doing so I leave Wyo to thinly defended. My immediate priority is to get Baro Foro though.D.

 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
A thousand apologies for the lateness of my reply. These questions are requiring more and more thought... [Wink]

Question Four

A.1) I think Ginger's hit it on the nose: four Galors cruising in will probably be a diversion to either a larger force or a sneak attack elsewhere. Having beein in the sector for as long as we have, the Cardassians definitely have a good idea of what forces we have and where they are stationed/patrolling. They will most likely head for Wyo as the most obvious target, but the real target would probably be Iadara. They will probably hope that the initial strike at Wyo will distract our forces enough to leave a token defence on the path to Iadara.

A.2) Well this is certainly a pickle. Here we have the heaviest hitters in the immediate area distracted on Wyo with a larger invasion force heading to Iadara. Obviously, the forces at Wyo can't leave until the four Galors are routed. My base there is adequately defending itself, especially with the Vindrus there to help. The Vittoria and Pikes Peak were between the nebula and G38 when the invasion fleet passed through and are heading in hot pursuit, with the Ajuntunen already on station at Iadara, not that they can muster much of a defence. I order the Toowoomba and the al-Kazim to Iadara with all possible haste; even though the Toowoomba is only a transport every gun I can bring to bare will be a help.

B) There goes my plans for a colony there. Good thing the colonists hadn't gotten that far yet! I would park that wagon train at Beaumonde and see if I can convince the colonists to settle on J123-IV. Certainly the equatorial regions aren't that cold. As far as the border negotiations go, this completely ruins everything forever. My main sector base at Wyo is now rather cut off from the rest of the sector, and the Cardassian settlement on Kavnoor is smack dab in the middle of any potential trade between Beaumonde and Baro Foro. To that end, I send off a request to relocate my sector base from Wyo to Beaumonde in anticipation of Wyo ending up on the wrong side of the new border. I also adjust the patrol of the Vittoria to give Kavnoor and Outpost 37 a wide berth on her patrol.

C) This is the frontier; all kinds of folks inhabit this region. A lot of them won't take too kindly to increased scans and are likely to get rather ornery about it. And besides, we have spies infiltrating the Cardassians and Xepolites; of course they're going to return the favour. I say some more work needs to be done to determine if there actually are spies and what they might be looking for. Perhaps a disinformation scam is in order?

D.1) I had previously requisitioned more forces in 3.D; looks like I just get the two Freedoms. The new arrivals to the Valten Sector are the USS Dumbarton NCC-57730 and the USS Olesha NCC-58134. The Dumbarton will run a patrol from T482 to Baro Foro to G40 and return while the Olesha will run from G40 to Beaumonde to Amanda and return.

D.2) Beaumonde will now benefit from the newly moved sector base, which should serve as adequate defense. However, early warning stations in the system's Oort cloud wouldn't hurt, as well as beefier shield generators for the colony itself. As for Shawaddywaddy, beefier shield generators would also be a benefit here, as well as the early warning system and a squad of drones.

E.1) AIRbody gonna want a piece of this pie. As it just so happens I have an extra colonization fleet parked at Beaumonde. Anybody have mining experience? As tempting as it would be to immediately send a full fleet right away, I don't think the Cardassians would take too kindly to that. This is going to cause HUGE waves politically and I don't know that I'd be able to fend off a determined Cardassian force that wants the planet. To that end, I send the Ajuntenen along with a few mining experts from Iadara down to Te Kerav to perform some detailed scans and get an idea what would be required to set up a mining operation on the planet as well as hopefully get a sample of the magic stuff the boffins want a look at. I'll send the Dumbarton to keep station while the Ajuntenen is there.

E.2) Okay, so, instead of the Dumbarton keeping station at Te Kerav, I guess I'll have to send the al-Kazim. Once the Dumbarton arrives, it will take over al-Kazim's patrol.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
No worries about the delays... I'm anxious to keep the scenario going, but I also want to see some responses before I post each question. I understand that there's this thing called "real life" that some people have to deal with. [Big Grin]

The next question should be ready either tonight or sometime tomorrow.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 

Question Five

Stellar Cartography, Baro Foro System

  1. The Cardassians launch an expedition to Baro Foro II (aka Te Kerav). The Galor cruiser and one Hideki from Kavnoor beeline for the system. Assuming you have a combat-capable starship in the system, the Galor will run interference while the Hideki lands on the surface. (Note that “run interference” does not necessarily mean “shoot first”—think of the confrontation in “Ensign Ro” for possible similarities to the current situation.) They ignore any civilian ships that may be in the area. Assuming they’re not interfered with, after an hour or two, the Hideki takes off, and both ships leave the system, returning to Kavnoor. How will you instruct your captain(s) to react to this development? (Assume that the ships you requested in the last question have arrived.)

  2. The next colony convoy has arrived in your sector, and is ready to immediately settle on a new planet. You previously selected a location in Question 2(B)2—does this location still make sense? If not, select a new destination for the colony. Justify your choice.

  3. Your intelligence officer delivers a wide-ranging situation report. React to the following information and suggestions:

    1. One of the Intelligence operatives aboard Xepolite ships in Cardassian space has failed to report in over the last month. She has no further information, and wants to send a small team of three agents to locate and retrieve him if necessary.

    2. The other operatives aboard Xepolite ships have observed an increase in the number of Cardassian transport ships moving about in the sector to the “west,” among the six or seven colony worlds the Cardassians have there. There’s more military ships in the mix too, though it’s difficult to determine solid numbers.

    3. The Cardassians already have another colony convoy incoming; it’s due to arrive at Omekla within a week, destined for an undetermined system in this sector.

    4. Based on the Cardassians’ quick response to the developments on Baro Foro II, your intelligence officer is more convinced than ever that there are Cardassian agents operating in Federation territory. She’s drawn up a list of about a dozen civilian ships which were closest to Baro Foro in the week after the comet impact; she wants to run background checks on all crew aboard said ships.

  4. With tensions on the rise, Starfleet wants you to conduct a battle simulation to hone your crews’ tactical skills. Design an offensive/defensive scenario involving at least two ships in your fleet, and choose a location in the sector to hold this exercise. (This scenario will be answered by another player in the next question.)


 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Minor supplemental information: Here is a map for the Wyo system. If you chose to place your outpost there, select a specific location for the outpost.

-
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
With luck, tomorrow or Saturday.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Should I keep planning more questions? Am I going too slowly to keep you guys interested? I figured the Cardassians have a long-term plan, so there's a little more back-and-forth to let you make a move, let the Cardassians move, let you react and make your next move...

Or is this becoming the Stargate Universe of You're the Admiral? [Wink]
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
Can't say for anyone else, but I've been swamped with bullshit. This is the first fay in weeks when I haven't been pulled in to do a million thibgs—& that's only because the store is closed, but I STILL have to prep for tomorrow, so...yeah.

It has been on my mind, though.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
S'okay, I understand the diversions of that other world out there. Just getting a little worried, it's been 2 weeks.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I will now be unable to get to think about this until Tuesday at least: have to cover for a coworker whose father is on the brink. I don't mind that reason.
 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
Question Five

A) As specified in my previous answers, I have the Ajuntenen and the al-Kazim exploring Te Kerav. Obviously these ships are no match for the new arrivals, but since there are no aggresive actions or messages from the Cardassian vessels, my ships keep their distance while requesting new orders. By the time they get their communiques up the chain to me, the Cardassians have zipped off again. I'm hoping that they were close enough to get a good idea of just what the Cardassians were up to and maybe check out the landing area closely.

B) As I wasn't sure how speedy the colony convoy was, I addressed this in Question 4 (B). But, I shall recap. In the interest of consolidating the colonies and given the Cardassian thrust to Kavnoor, I have recommended the colony convoy settle in the equatorial regions of J123-IV (provisionally designated Tollan).

C.1) Three agents, mm? Leave no one behind, I always say. Maybe these agents can say the missing agent owes them money.

C.2) Who is running this dog and pony show? I need better information! Given this activity is out of my sector jurisdication, and that sector is almost entirely claimed by the Cardassians already (it is, isn't it?), I don't see how there is much if anything I can do about this. I'll send these concerns up the line to see if the negotiators are handling the amount of forces that can be stationed near the border.

C.3) Tit for tat, I guess. We keep sending colonists in to this sector, so it is only reasonable to assume the Cardassians will do the same. Where are they heading? Hopefully we can figure that out in short order. I'm hoping they won't try to settle in the same system as an existing colony, let alone the same planet...

C.4) Running background checks may sound like a good idea on paper, but I'd wager the Obsidian Order can cook up a very convincing background for their operatives that would stand up to scrutiny. We'd only be broadcasting our suspicions for the sector to hear. I think that when these particular ships happen to stop by a UFP outpost next they will be needed to be detained and scanned for Denebian parasites. Have had an outbreak in a neighbouring sector, you know.

D) As luck would have it, the recent build up in activity in this sector has alerted the higher ups that there is an old Federation-class dreadnought and a trio of Kiaga-class perimeter action ships parked in the G52 system. They suffered the effects of an unknown anomaly while patrolling the system and were drained of all power; the dilithium crystals were de-crystallized at the same time. The crews were stranded and waited three weeks before a civilian freighter happened to be passing through. They managed to evacuate the crew and brought them to the nearest starbase. After that, it seems Starfleet kinda...forgot about the ships parked there. Delays after delays and now we arrive at the present day. The technology now exists to re-crystallize the dilithium (thank you Montgomery Scott) and the higher ups want these ships as far away from Cardassian hands as possible. I send the Soengdeok and the newly arrived Olesha to the G52 system to coax the derelict ships back to life and engage in a wargame scenario before sending the ships back to UFP space with a skeleton crew. I'm hoping that the disparity in technology levels between the two sets of ships will encourage creative strategies that will help the crews should they find themselves facing a larger and/or more powerful Cardassian force. The crews will rotate through the vessels, with everyone playing on both sides of the battle. Round One will consist of the 2260s ships versus the 2350s ships, while Round Two will pair the Kiagas with the Olesha and the dreadnought with the Soengdeok.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
First, let's note the additions to my previously assembled fleet:


New additions:

Now, then...

A) So, essentially, they've just invaded Federation territory. That's brilliant.

Nsenga was in the region, so it would've been her spoofed by the Galor. After-action reports say she disabled it enough to go after the Hideki, but that vessel left before Nsenga could intercept. Ass.

Since I have the two new ships, I'm posting Sermiligaaq to blockade duty in the system itself, closer to Baro Foro & Te Kerav but not planet-bound. Nsenga will take the outer picket on that duty, patrolling out past the heliosphere. Good thing I hadn't yet sent Ee'yun to Te Kerav like I'd wanted, though. In the meantime, the haggis is in the fire for sure, & it's time to update the higher-ups about this...& maybe vent my rage a little. They are SO lucky I didn't order a hit on Kavnoor or Simperia!

B) I'd previously selected K484-V, & my choice stands. Why keep it, or select it in the first place? Simply put, a pelagic planet is a wonderful place for not just oceanographic research & hydroponic farming, but covert operations including but not limited to military research bases & intelligence gatrhering outposts, all to be hidden under the sea. In fact, plans for a listening post directed towards the Cardassian Union have already been underway; an intelligence collating station & various possible military science facilities have already been proposed once the colony is settled. The name agreed upon & filed with the Bureau of Colonization is Haiyang Long ( 海洋龙), translating as "ocean dragon".

C.1) Alright, do it. But be discreet. DISCREET, Sarah! I mean it! No heavy operations, no shootouts, nothing I'm going to have to explain away after the fact to either of the Commands, Central OR Starfleet. Get your information, extrract him if need be...but be discreet.

C.2) When you say "moving about", are they moving generally in the direction of our sector? Or is this perhaps preparation for an invasion elsewhere? What I want to know is, are we the target or is this incidental & we're on the fringe? ....You're sure they're not just putting down a rebellion? ...You don't think so. Grand. Alright, find out what you can. Use third-party assets if need be, but I want confirmed information, Commander, not hearsay, fluff, & unconfirmed rumors.

C.3) "An undetermined system". Damn. The only unclaimed worlds are now deep within what's been made Federation territory by dint of colonial expansion. So either we'll have an armed Cardassian colonization convoy strolling through Federation space...or they'll make a move on an already settled world. Fuck.

Y'know what? Maybe...just MAYBE...there's a way out of this without military skirmishing. Contact Starfleet, & get me the Quadrant Commander as well as a high-level rep from the Diplomatic Corps. Maybe we can take a page from the old Organian treaty 85 years ago & set up a joint settlement on whatever world they're planning to head for. If we can get in touch with the Central Command soon enough, maybe they'll go for it in order to keep the local peace some.

C.4) No, it's a good idea. Just to make sure. But background checks only, & nothing so deep that they'll be noticed. If anything funny shows up, we'll decided where to go from there.

This is a fucking powder keg, Sarah, & I'm full well certain that we'll be in the scrum soon enough. Let's try to avoid it as much a s possible, though.

D) This will be a two-segment exercise, to be held in the T614 system; its lack of life-bearing worlds will help deter placement of spying eyes.

The first segment is divided into two parts. The first part will involved two of your smaller patrol-type ships defending against an incoming assault force comprised of a large cruiser, a smaller patrol-type ship, & several transports types. This will test reaction to an invasion fleet & help the Blue Team crew's practice combat when tied to a gravity well due to the need for staying near a planet, as well as allow the Red Team to develop its skills at commanding an invasion & having to shepherd a sizable slower landing convoy. The second part will switch the scenario: the formerly defending patrol vessels will now be attempting to escort the transport-type ships away from the planet, past a blockade by the cruiser/patrol pair. This tests the ability of the patrol vessels to look after their charges and engage the enemy in necessary combat, while the blockade force witll practice methods of ensure complete containment of the planetary population. Two weeks after these exercises, a task force comprising your two largest and two smallest line starships will spearhead a mock planetary assault against a defending force in order to gain valuable experience in these tactics.

In Segment 1, both teams will practice again known Cardassian methods & techniques. In part 1A, the invasion force will operate along Cardassian methodologies until achievement of objective, whereupon it will be run again with the defenders utilizing those techniques. This will continue for part 1B, with the blockaders first playing the Cardassians, followed during the second runthrough by the blockade runners. The transport vessels for Segment 1 may be provided by temporary commandeering & use of local civilian ships. Defense of the planet in Segment 2 will be provided by automated defense drones running Cardassian battle strategies & tactics utilizing highly adaptive computer control.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
I'll work on the next question tomorrow. Anyone else in the mean time? Anyone?

Bueller? Bueller?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Also, here's another system map. Probably won't be relevant for the next question, but I plan on doing all the border systems.

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Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Sorry everyone, I've been working full on to get my thesis handed in, but now that is done I should have a bit more time on my hands so I'll try and get something down in a day or two.

So, yeah, PhD took over for a bit, now I just have to find a job and return to real life, which will be nice.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Congratulations on finishing your thesis!

And here's a couple more maps:

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Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I intend to send a link to the Amanda map to its namesake, even though sheis entirely not a fan.
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 

Question Six

  1. Objectively critique another participant’s battle scenario from question 5(D). What elements do you consider useful and/or practical, and are there any aspects you would change?

  2. The latest Cardassian convoy arrives in the sector. If you haven’t placed a colony in the Baro Foro system (R047), they set up camp on the third planet; otherwise, the convoy settles on the fourth planet of the Wyo system (E73)—regardless of whether you have your own colony or outpost in the system. Wyo IV is an inhospitable class-H world, and was generally ignored by the Federation’s survey missions. Apparently it’s a bit more desirable for the Cardassians. One Galor cruiser and 3 Hideki scouts begin patrolling the system.

    1. How does this development affect your strategy? How does it affect your current fleet deployment?

    2. One Hideki starts loitering closer to your colony or outpost in the system (even if your outpost is in deep space, up to 3 ly away from the system).

  3. Your intelligence officer brings you urgent news. React accordingly:

    1. If you sent a team to retrieve the missing agent, things went south: they got discovered shortly after arrival on the Cardassian colony where the missing agent was last heard from. The team lost one man, but the others made it back. No solid information about the first missing agent was obtained. There’s been no communication from the Cardassians on the matter.

    2. Your starship closest to the McAllister Nebula has reported detecting some odd subspace fluctuations coming from within. According to the ship’s science officer, these readings may or may not be natural; your intelligence officer is convinced that this indicates the Cardassians are massing forces inside the nebula for a surprise attack.

  4. Respond to the following developments:

    1. Another civilian convoy has arrived in the sector, ready for immediate settlement. Choose a location for the newest colony. Justify your choice.

    2. Your “westernmost” colony (excluding Iadara) reports it is experiencing problems with its early-warning sensor net; it’s giving lots of false positives and other garbage data. The colony requests support to repair and upgrade the sensor net; they have ships available to reach the probes, but don’t have the technical facilities to fix or replace them.

    3. There’s an explosion in the main marketplace on the Xepolite trading station. At least 20 people are killed (mostly Xepolites, but 3 Federation citizens and 2 Cardassians died as well). The Xepolite security force reports that the bomb appeared to be made from Federation materials. They don’t accuse you of setting the bomb, but this incident has seriously chilled their disposition towards you.

    4. Long-range sensors detect a lone Hideki, probably operating out of Kavnoor, scouting the G40 system. G40 has no habitable planets or moons, but is about halfway between Kavnoor and Minos Korva. How serious is this incursion to your fleet and strategy? Do you ignore them, monitor them, or confront them? Justify your answer.

  5. You receive a status update regarding the border negotiations between the Federation and the Cardassians. The talks aren’t really going well: the Cardassians are making stronger demands, and have laid claim to Baro Foro and Beaumonde (J123)—in addition to the other colonies they’ve already settled on Kavnoor and Wyo IV. If you have placed colonies on these worlds, it seems the Cardassians want them gone. The diplomats are still considering the options; they want to know what sort of compromise you would consider acceptable; which worlds could be safely de-colonized and ceded to the Cardassians, and why?


 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
I want to answer this...but I also want more than one other person to reply to Q5 first.
 
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
 
Ditto. Which, I mean, is fine. We don't necessarily have to have a regular schedule with the questions. Wait for some more folks to catch up and then add another question?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Okay... I'll try to keep it fresh. I've been waiting for answers before I finalize the next question, to see where everyone goes—figuratively and literally. (Got a whole spreadsheet just to track the locations!)
 
Posted by akb1979 (Member # 557) on :
 
Apologies, life's been...hectic. I'll try and look at these latest questions over the weekend.
 
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
 
So is this it, then? Fabz & I are gonna have to answer each other's answers, yeh?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Just popping in to say that I haven't given up, but still waiting for responses. (Shik, it makes sense to wait for more responses too!)
 
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
 
Hi everyone. I'm really sorry that I've been such a flake with this - life has unfortunately gotten in the way of things for a few weeks. If people are still interested I will be back in civilisation next week, so I can post a couple of answers in a day or three. I am currently in Devon, and this is the first time I have had internet access for nearly three weeks properly - God knows how I managed for so long before broadband came along!
 
Posted by Idontlikeusernames (Member # 1925) on :
 
Are you still accepting new submissions on this one?
 
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
 
Absolutely! If you catch up, maybe we can start it up again!
 


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