posted
== Q2a == Critique on Dan's answers: Your priorities cover the basic standing orders of the Federation Starfleet. What are the specific priorities of tasks in this sector?
== Q2b == This leaves me with the Ajax and the Seron (one of my two Novas). Hmm.. that must have been quite a skirmish to require the fleet of my entire Sector. I'm glad I didn't listen to those other admirals telling me I was crazy. It seems the Klingons here are definitely a threat! Ajax is assigned to Q2c (see below), Seron will be sent to the Zemch system, placing orbital surveillance equipment and getting some first-hand reports on Zemchian technological progress. Runnymede will engage in initial contact with the Dorzans. I will probably attend a meeting or two with the Dorzans.
== Q2c == Normally, this should've been dealt with by my escort unit or one of the light cruisers. But since they are still en route from the Klingon incident, they can't be here in time. I will send out my second-in-command aboard the Ajax. They will attempt to make contact as soon as they are in range, and determine the intent of the Gorn (or whoever is piloting those presumed Gorn vessels).
== Q2d == The civilian craft is only just entering the Semma system, and the Semmans send out two of their cruisers to intercept it. In theory, there shouldn't be any big problems, as the Semmans are not known to be hostile. Furthermore, they aren't really isolationist, just politely discouraging our attempts to communicate. So, I'm just gonna open a channel to them, explain that the vessel has problems (but they probably know that), and respectfully ask them not to eat, incinerate or otherwise harm the crewmembers. I invite them to deliver the crew to our Starbase, or to plan a pickup by Runnymede. Regardless, this face-to-face contact may be a good point to start building some trust with the Zznjlii/Sh'sh'l.
Dorzan rebels.. Well, this is an internal affair, and I will not get involved. I will offer to provide a neutral meeting place and to mediate the dispute, but I'm not taking sides. An inventory of Federation (and other foreign) citizens in the Dorzan system would be handy, just in case.
== Q2e == A Klingon Vor'cha-class cruiser decloaks in orbit of Semma, having slipped through whatever sensors were deployed. Apparently, they have a plague outbreak on one of their colonies, and they beam down a strike force to claim the cure. In a knee-jerk reaction, the Zznjlii/Sh'sh'l shoot down the Vor'cha, and any progress made in communicating with them is undone as they go into isolation again (but this time more angry and less polite). If they still had the crew of the crashed vessel in custody, there is no word of their current status. To make it even more interesting, the Klingon ship belonged to the rebellious House that caused such trouble with you when you arrived in the sector. The High Council refuses to acknowledge the mission, but the local Klingon leaders are quite pissed off at losing their cruiser, *and* their luxury sea colony.
quote: 1) OBJECTIVELY CRITIQUE one of the other answers to Question One.
I choose to critique Paladin's answer, if only on the issue of Dorzan policy. A goal of "democratizing" the alien society appears contrary to UFP principles, where even those societies eligible for actual UFP membership can operate on nondemocratic modes of government. Does not the general policy of noninterference apply? Moreover, spatial containment of the Dorzans strikes me as a singularly un-UFP move, especially when there are no active UFP territorial interests in the sector to be defended. As long as the Dorzans can be made to recognize the UFP claim to trusteeship protection of the Zemch and their expansion reservate, Starfleet should maintain a hands-off policy regarding the colonization efforts of the locals. In actual cases of forcible conquest, Starfleet might intervene on behalf of either side in response to an explicit call for help.
The 12-starship fleet postulated is well balanced and perfectly capable of enforcing both the containment policy and a hands-off approach, and might not raise eyebrows at SF Headquarters even if Adm. Paladin claimed to be following a neutrality doctrine. It might still be politically wise to request fewer vessels to explicitly lend credibility to a less aggressive policy.
quote:2) Good news: Starfleet has evaluated your fleet requests and recommendations and decided to grant your needs in full. Bad news: The majority of your fleet has been diverted to put out a fire on the Klingon border, a minor skirmish.
This means that of the actual combatants, only the Robuste and Runnymede are on station. My "noncombatant" will be the science vessel Humason, as the tender Veracruz still carries the heavy phasers inherent in the Steamrunner design and can provide meaningful assistance in sorting out the Klingon mess. Of course, the Humason also features the full complement of phasers and torpedoes familiar from other Nova vessels...
quote:3) The crew of a merchant vessel recently arrived at the starbase tells of detecting a small grouping of ships at the extreme edge of sensor range during their approach. When pressed further, the crew notes that the ships were enteringfrom the "upper righthand side" of the sector. Further analysis of the merchie's sensor logs reveals a small force of four vessels, types unknown, but with warp signatures that are unmistakeably Gorn. The logs also show that the group is heading in the general direction of the Zemch quarantine zone.
This is where the Robuste would have been deployed in any case, executing her primary orders of sector control. She will be tasked with intercepting and interrogating the arrivals, and informing them of the existence of a UFP quarantine zone and the obligations of foreign nationals relevant to such a zone. While not exactly a masterpiece of modern multitargeting, the old Excelsior should present a credible military deterrent to any Gorn nastiness here.
quote:4) Choose two scenarios to respond to, describing what diplomatic efforts your staff should be making. Describe also the nearest (or most relevant) starship to that event should be, what that ship should do in response, and how your fleet status could or should change as a result.
Scenario 1: Plague on Dorza IV
Complying with the Dorzan "demand" appears to be an easy way to the hearts and minds of the local populance, not to mention the perfect pretext to launch Operation Not Really Here. The Humason will deploy on Semma, and attempt contact with the Sh'sh'l through a call for humanitarian aid. However, the possibility of trade will be brought up, too, and the holographic envoys will graphically demonstrate the whole range of products and services the UFP could pay with. Direct trade with Dorza is not my first offer, though; I wish to play a buffer role here, insofar as I formally claim to rule the empty space between the players anyway.
On the Dorzan front, Captain Henschel will lead the diplomatic effort, gently pointing out how the well-established UFP medical framework might have provided the medication in time if Dorza had already been integrated to it, an offering further consultation services. This isn't the time yet to press on with counterdemands, but some inroads can probably be made on sending UFP medical observers to the other Dorzan colonies. The Runnymede stands by in the system.
Scenario 2: Intruder at Semma
Even though the scenarios are supposed to be separate, they aren't in conflict. The Humason will still be in the Semma system at this time, and will attempt contact with the locals on the issue of intercept. Whether such contact can be established or not, the ship herself will respond, throwing a few alien carcasses into the boilers in order to reach the derelict first and render assistance and course correction.
Scenario 3: � A Kaelon science vessel docks at SB 403, with a delegation led by a Dr Rtsonaman insisting on seeing you. The Doctor's somewhat controversial research has indicated that one of the Zemch reservate stars is on the brink of destruction, and will provide the ideal testing grounds for a technique that could save the Kaelon home star from a similar fate. If Rtsonaman is allowed to proceed, the Zemch star will require several decades of careful husbandry lest it go wild and wreak havoc in that system, potentially in the neighboring ones as well. If not, he predicts the star will explode anyway within the next 300 years, and will be worthless for the Zemch. Rtsonaman may be a kook, but he has political backing - the Kaelon membership in the UFP (not to mention the survival of the Kaelon species) may depend on this experiment. Rtsonaman wants to start right now - and reveals that he has already sent a reconnaissance team to the system to prod the star.
Oh, and on the issue of noncanon starship specs: two of my three cruisers aren't onscreen vessels, and are supposed to follow my Guide specs. The Apollo class here is assumed to be similar to Excelsior, in fact one of the study models for that canon ship - the one with the same number of nacelles and all. The Hokule'a is the three-nacelled monstrosity from DS9 Tech Manual, just with two nacelles here (the full three-naceller is the Medusa class). In other words, fairly similar Excelsior era vessels all, even though the Elent�ri is a bit lighter and the Achilles a bit slower than the flagship Robuste.
posted
Ship commentary: I�m basically going by Timo�s Guide so for any detailed technical questions go there.
Excelsior Mk.III: A cruiser size vessel seems appropriate for a sector command, being big enough to house a command staff and appropriate fleet C3I facilities. In addition, a starship of this size is big enough to impress the locals, as well as mounting sufficient firepower to deal with any likely threat in a non-front line sector like this. The I]Excelsior[/I] also has fairly decent diplomatic facilities and I�ll make sure mine has a good chef and well stocked cellar for any events we may have to host . Finally, there are plenty of Excelsiors around, even after war losses, and the war construction programmes have provided many more modern ships for exploration and defence missions in more important sectors.
Nova: Small scientific vessels seem appropriate for the survey and exploration needs of this sector rather than anything bigger. With the elderly Oberths being retired or occupied in safer sectors and given the scientific potential of this sector, Starfleet wants its most modern surveyors on the job.
New Orleans: Again, not the most modern class in the fleet, but still a pretty capable vessel. A ship this size gives me a mid-sized multi-role vessel in case my flagship is disabled or otherwise engaged. The modular mounts also give the New Orleans a certain amount of flexibility (although changing modules would require a certain amount of downtime).
Sabre: Decent light cruiser. Good for patrol, can take care of itself but also has fairly good sensors for preliminary scientific surveys.
Istanbul: Large general purpose transport and tender ship. Useful for any number of things; humanitarian missions, re-supply, emergency towing etc.
Orkney: this is the beefed up corvette version of the Nova. The Starbase and Dorza are the primary fixed Federation assets which need to be protected; an Orkney has more than enough punch to defend the system and I doubt Starfleet would mind parting from just one given that these were mass produced during the war.
Now for Question 2�
a) Critique of Harry�s response; three Defiants for a sector which isn�t on the front line and in which there are no significant and immediate threats? Seems slightly excessive. Other than that, do you have any specific plans to try and persuade the Dorzans that they should modify they culture?
b) The following ships have arrived in sector: USS Palmerston (NCC-36710) Excelsior Mk.III class USS Adrianople (NCC-34853) Istanbul class The following ships have been delayed: USS Thermistocles (NCC-58064), New Orleans class USS Katana (NCC-60259), Sabre class USS Stormbringer (NCC-60265), Sabre class USS Fortney (NCC-73551), Nova class USS Scott (NCC-73560), Nova class USS Arran (NCC-73607), Orkney class
3) With only two combat capable ships at my disposal (and one of those a somewhat aged Miranda) I don�t want to risk a confrontation with the Gorn, particularly as the specifics of their ships are unknown. Until the remainder of my fleet arrives Palmerston will deploy a sensor net in the Zemch quarantine zone.
4) b) The civilian craft poses no threat to Semma. I�d point this out to them, along with the fact that Starfleet intervention would allow them to remain isolated and dispatch the Adrianople and Runnymede to recover and repair the civilian vessel before it reaches Semma. Any approach would be cautious.
c) The Prime Directive allows me to do nothing except act a mediator in this situation. I�d also attempt to (discreetly) determine the extent of domestic opposition to the current form of government. This could possibly act as a catalyst to reform on Dorza.
5) The Gorn ships arrive in one of the uninhabited systems reserved for the Zemch. Once there, they rendezvous with what at first appears to be a small asteroid. Upon the arrival of one of your ships in the system, however, it becomes clear that it is the remains of a spaceship. The Gorn make contact, claim that the ship is theirs and that it predates the Federation presence in the area, meaning that the system (and possibly others) belong to the Gorn. The plentiful resources in this system make it one of the most important for the future development of the ZemchHow do you respond?
-------------------- "I am an almost extinct breed, an old-fashioned gentleman, which means I can be a cast-iron son-of-a-bitch when it suits me." --Jubal Harshaw
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posted
Just to clarify my ships a bit (and name them all!):
USS Ajax, Apollo class heavy cruiser USS Runnymede, Miranda class transport USS Saladin, Sabre class light cruiser USS Scylax, Sequoia class light cruiser USS Mariner, Challenger class light cruiser USS Neptune, Kotaka class escort USS Temeraire, Kotaka class escort USS Thillaan, Kotaka class escort USS Seron, Nova class surveyor USS Gelv, Nova class surveyor USS Rhine, Danube class runabout USS Nile, Danube class runabout
Rhine and Nile are initially carried on Ajax (can I assume they arrived on time? Runabouts aren't fighters, after all). As i said earlier, the escorts are 'Defiant-like'. As you can now see, they are (I assume) much smaller than the Defiants (slightly larger than a Maquis raider, I would imagine), and are of significantly lesser capabilities than the other ships. They are primarily defensive vessels.
quote:Originally posted by Wraith: I�ll make sure mine has a good chef and well stocked cellar for any events we may have to host.
"Note to the galley: Romulan Ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions!"
quote:Originally posted by Harry: Critique on Dan's answers: Your priorities cover the basic standing orders of the Federation Starfleet. What are the specific priorities of tasks in this sector?
Okay, fine! First priority, peace and diplomacy between the Dorzans, Semmans, and any foreign powers that may develop an interest in this sector. Second priority, defend our Federation allies, the Dorzans, and the Federation trustees, the Zemch, from any hostile incursions. Third priority, to foster the Dorzans towards Federation membership (probably through some carrot-on-a-stick strategy), and to coax the Semmans out of their isolationist shell (through abject apologies and the offering of Scooby Snacks). Fourth, to explore and survey the various systems in this sector.
I kinda thought that the outline for priorities made that obvious, but I guess not...
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
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posted
Q2a: I love Timo�s idea of a holographic diplomat for the Semmans. This would be a great use of technology to bring some healing to the Semman/Federation relationship and even if it takes hundred of years the holo-diplomat will always be there in the process.
Q2b: Arrived Ships � U.S.S. Al Reij ~ Excelsior Class (Stationed at Starbase 403) U.S.S. Tulip ~ Istanbul Class (Stationed at Starbase 403) U.S.S. Runnymede ~ Miranda Class (Stationed at Starbase 403)
Pending Starships � U.S.S. Minigamu ~ New Orleans Class U.S.S. Blix ~ Miranda Class U.S.S. Douxen ~ Miranda Class U.S.S. Dawn Treader ~ Nova Class U.S.S. Anjeries ~ Nova Class U.S.S. Skagit ~ Nova Class U.S.S. Nooksack ~ Nova Class U.S.S. Razzell Rose ~ Istanbul Class U.S.S. Emperor Lilly ~ Istanbul Class U.S.S. Namco�s Vine ~ Istanbul Class
Q2c: The Al Reij and Runnymede will move out to intercept the Gorn. Its doubtful they hear to do anything more then rattle their sabers. Nonetheless the Al Reij will make contact with the Gorn; while the Runnymede waits out of sensor range and further along the Gorn�s path into trustee space. The Gorn will be highly encouraged to leave or go around.
Q2d: 1. The civilian ship is to be told over and over again through the spotty communication �NOT TO LAND�. It�s imperative that they get this message. Similar efforts should be made to contact the Semmans, telling them what is transpiring and asking that the civilian ship be rendered assistance or detained by Semman ships. The Al Reij will move to the Semma system at best possible speed to take the civilians back to Starbase 403. 2. The Dorzan rebellion situation provides a unique opportunity to make contact with Pro-Age groups within Dorzan society. Acting as mediator for the two groups to bring about the release of hostages is the primary and most important goal. The Federation must remain a �good friend� to the Dorzan�s as a whole. However the opportunity to begin laying the foundation for talks and clandestine sponsorship with the Pro-Age Dozans is an equally important aspect. This will be done on the side and very discretely.
Q2e: The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe was answered one night for an inventive Zemch youth who broadcasted a signal into the night sky and then several days later heard a response. A merchant ship had picked up the signal and mistaking it�s origin for a second merchant ship, responded back. This wouldn�t have been so bad had they only responded once, but thinking the other ship rude they called again and again. On Zemch the youth informed the authorities who have now heard the merchant ships crass communiqu�s and have now begun a government organization to find the source of the �Great Out There Messages�. How do you contain this and prevent future contamination?
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posted
Wow, two resposes to my Colonization objective... I've touched on something with my hardline, take no crap, kick ya in the teeth... etc... etc... style of command. I guess I'm thinging of it more like Star Trek: Armada - enter the system, take all the resources, and dominate your enemies.
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posted
Okay, so after much thought and effort, I've come up with what is � I hope � a suitable sector map based on Shik's sketch. Unfortunately, I'm not ambitious enough to do a 3D map yet, so I had to flatten the sector to use my existing map templates. However, I think that it shouldn't affect the strategy of the scenario all that much. (Just yell if you disagree, Shik.)
And I threw together a map of the Dorza System while I was at it, too.
Note: Habitable systems are marked with (H) after their designation codes.
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
I assume that's an elevation view from the "front" of the sector, Dan. Still, nice & shiny! I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
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quote:I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.
Nope, I made that map from scratch with Fireworks MX. The planets were made with the same Photoshop plugin they used for the illustrations of the plugins themselves (with LunarCell), but everything else is vectors and patterns! The asteroid belt, for example, is a series of closely-spaced concentric rings with "random" grey dots to simulate the appearance of protoplanetary rubble. The star was made by taking a solid white circle (with feathered edges) and superimposing a mostly-transparent pattern of blue swirls to add a hint of color.
(Hmm, I need to go back and add the shadows to the gas giants...)
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
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posted
Updated maps (and a new location), plus a new map of the Semman System:
quote:Originally posted by Shik: I assume that's an elevation view from the "front" of the sector, Dan. Still, nice & shiny! I fiugured you'd use the Star Charts planetary images for any solar system.
Well, it's actually supposed to be viewed from the top-down. I kinda had to estimate some of the locations based on the skewed perspective. Let me know if anything needs moving!
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
QUESTION THREE (four parts)
Answer any TWO of the scenarios postulated in part 5 of Question Two. You may NOT answer your own scenario.
The rebellion on the Dorzan K-class colony enters its second week. Communication is spotty, but your intel suggests that the rebels have prepared for an assault by Dorzan forces. Conversations with the Dorzan leader have neither confirmed nor denied any attack is being planned, but his general attitude implies there is infact something in the works. To make matters worse, a reply to your report to Command has yielded the fact that there are 25 visiting researchers on the colony who are Federation citizens; one is the grandson of a well-connected Tellarite councillor. If the rebels know of this or that the researchers are there, they have yet to announce it. Detail how this new information changes or does not change your planned handling of the situation. Describe any actions you may or may not take and the concerns that guide them.
The civilian craft that entered the Semma system is now docked at Starbase 403. The craft's master has reported that the Semman vessels were quite polite in their assistance but made no direct personal contact. However, one of the crew has drunkenly let slip in private that the captain took covert scans of the vessel that imply an organic construction to the Semman ships. He has offered to make a copy of the sensor logs on the sly for your staff if they so desire in exchange for certain favors that he may collect on in the future. do you take him up on his offer? Explain your decision.
The Gorn task force is now one day from the border of the Zemch quarantine zone and has been identified by the ship you stationed nearby as a large transport carrying 65,000 Gorn, two Gorn light cruiser escorts (similar to the Saber-class) and one Gorn battle cruiser (similar to the Vor'Cha-class). The remainder of your fleet has arrived, just in time it seems, and they come with a message relayed from Starfleet Command that the Gorn have made official claims to the Zemch systems and all stars "rightward" of them. This expedition is the first of what is to be several planned for the area. The message has made it clear that while the Gorn wish to continue to peacably live with their Federation neighbors they are willing to defend what they see as their interests in the area. The notes from Command seem to imply a similar sentiment in San Francisco. How will you handle this apparent powderkeg?
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
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Paladin�s scenario of cultural contamination is something I�d face sooner or later when chaperoning the Zemch. I believe it is in my interests to send spying missions to that planet, in the same manner that the Vulcans monitored Earth or Picard the Malcorians � but I�ll start carefully, sending out unmanned probes only. I aim mainly to monitor planetary communications, so that I can understand enough of that society to lay the blame on a putative local jokester if I have to. If the situation starts to get out of hand, I have no choice but to send in the Humason and her holographic envoys, now reprogrammed to infiltrate the Zemch society and undo the contamination. They will have a swell time playing that society�s equivalent to Men in Black, ridiculing the event till everybody there is too embarrassed to discuss it. (That is, if the Zemch psych profile favors that approach. But the holograms are flexible, and can find other ways to distract the Zemch.)
Naturally, I will do my best to keep such things from happening again, but until I get my Sabers and finish setting up the surveillance network, there�s always the risk of leaks like this.
==Q3a2==
Many of the other player scenarios touch on the Gorn, and I want to deal with the �canon� Gorn scenario instead. So I�ll have to tackle Neutrino now. The asylum seekers appear to be explicit criminals by local laws, and their expected punishment, while harsh, isn�t the sort of life-threatening abomination that the UFP would oppose out of principle. I expect the asylum request to be turned down eventually, but I have nothing against turning this to a major public incident. So I carefully listen to what the fugitives have to say, and delay their extradition enough to make the Dorzans itchy. If there are any health issues with imprisoning the ah so geriatric 41-year-olds, I will use those as a delaying act as well. I allow the voices of both sides to be heard on public channels so that the incident will have maximum impact on Dorzan interior politics and UFP public opinion. I make clear that freedom-of-expression issues are close to the heart of UFP lawmakers and membership application juries � and that speeding up the extradition process probably requires interaction with these old and distinguished lawmakers... With luck, I can keep this thing on the headlines for a month or two.
==Q3b==
Uh-oh. The one scenario that I didn�t choose on the previous round� I�m a bit behind in my response, then. I will assume I have merely acknowledged the rebellion but not interfered so far. At most, I have ordered the Runnymede, present in the system, to readiness.
With the Gorn at the gates, I cannot detach my singe heavy combat asset right now. The old frigate is now sent alone to �assess the situation� at the Class K planet. Dorzan government will be informed that the Federation now has a direct interest in the crisis (and is not breaking its own rules just for the heck of it, or in assistance of one side or the other), and no doubt the rebels will find this out as well. I will still not accept the calls for aid, but will act on behalf of the UFP in trying to negotiation with the rebels. Naturally, Captain Henschel has covert instructions to prepare for a hostage extraction mission, as well as the authority to reveal this mission to the government if it has to be used as leverage in dissuading the government forces from performing a raid of their own. Showing the government that Starfleet is prepared to act vigorously even when it sits down on negotiating tables will hopefully improve our standing. (I can also play with the pawns handed to me by Neutrino, speeding up or slowing down their extradition to manipulate the government and possibly the rebels. They will be extradited eventually.)
==Q3c==
This is a slight non sequitur as, possibly against expectations, I arranged for an intrusive starship presence in the Semma system from the very beginning. My science vessel ought to have been able to prevent close contact between the civilian craft and the Semman ships. No matter; the craft and her crew could have gathered all sorts of information my resident starship might not. I believe I could purchase the information as long as the price is written down a bit more accurately than �certain future favors�. However, my active efforts at infiltra� I mean, approaching the Semman societies will no doubt provide me with comparable data - and whether the Semmans find out about this will then depend solely on MY discretion, not on that of (already provably loose-lipped) third parties. So, thanks but no thanks.
==Q3d==
So the Gorn are moving in? Are they formal signatories to my presence in the sector or not? I will continue to assume that the UFP claim to the Zemch reservate is generally valid by interstellar law and precedent, and will act to defend it even if the Gorn do not acknowledge said law and precedent.
The convoy will receive my permission to explore, colonize or, if they wish, paint pink the star systems within this sector that are not currently claimed by their native sapient populances, and are not under UFP protection. I will arbitrate on competing claims on other types of star systems in the sector. I also inform them of the quarantine rules for the four Zemch reservate systems. As I am on a magnanimous mood, I will not fire upon the Gorn if they perform obvious preparations for breaking the quarantine rules (such as maintaining a course towards the planets), but I will correspondingly perform some preparations of mine.
The Robuste is (secretly) ordered to prepare a batch of limpet mines, to be fired onto the Gorn vessels in case of quarantine breach. Until such breach, my cruiser will behave nonaggressively, hopefully luring the Gorn to keeping their shields down so that the limpets will be effective. If the Gorn do raise shields, I still expect to be able to attach limpets to the transport after a single well-aimed �softening� shot, and then concentrate on countering the possible hostile designs of the battle cruiser. Despite being outgunned here, I expect to be able to hold the upper hand by selectively damaging the transport if need be.
If the Gorn split their forces, rules of engagement will change. All Gorn units will be told to cease activities that might result in breach of quarantine (such as certain courses of flight), and will be attacked if they do not comply. The Runnymede will be scrambled to intercept any such break-out/break-in attempt by one of the Gorn escorts - or even two if it comes to that. I still expect the threat of my big battlewagon upon the transport to stop the Gorn from misbehaving.
posted
Q3a: Harry�s scenario of Klingons on Semma presents a potential hotspot and is therefore a top priority. First of all I would have the UFP Ambassador lobby the Klingon government to rein in the trouble-making house (doubtful of this doing any good though). The next step is to politely enter the Semma system and ask to speak over subspace with the Semmans. No scanning will be done and the Al Reij will stay at the edge of the system, in kindness to the Semmans. The Al Reij will try to ascertain if the Klingons are alive or if regaining their corpses is possible. Also and attempt will be made to acquire the cure or possible research for said cure. The table will be open to anything the Semmans would like, including a non-interaction agreement. Once this is done, the bodies or prisoners and cure (if there is one) will be brought to 403 and held until a Federation ship can bring them back to Quonos. This diverts the attention to the Federation and away from the Semmans and possibly dishonoring the trouble-making house.
Timo�s scenario of the Doctor and the Star presents a more delicate problem. With his backing and zeal it will be hard to say no to him, but I�ll tell him no anyway. The Zemch have been given those systems in the reserve and by golly they are going to have them. Since the system has around 300 years to go I think its safe to say that the Zemch will be able to get some use out of the system and possibly more once the Doctor prefects his theories in another star system. I would even offer to help him find another system and escort him to it. His recon team will of course have to turn around - my two Mirandas will make sure of that.
Q3b: Well opening up doors to the Pro-Age underground are pretty well closed off, pity. But the safety of the hostages was always primary. The Runnymede would stay in system, while strike teams would be prepared on ships waiting outside the system. Efforts to get both sides to the table on Runnymede would be doubled and here it would be slipped that Federation citizens are on the station. The tone would be as such that if the Dorzan government tries to take back the colony or if the rebels attempt anything rash � the consequences would most severe. (Would have to speak with Command to see what could be leveled against the infracting party if this is tested.) The Runnymede would also try to locate the hostages with her sensors (if she can�t a Nova would be called in).
Q3c: I would rather get the information from the Semma directly as that relationship needs to be a trusting and honest one. You couldn�t have that if this was hanging over you or the possibility of the crewman blabbing again (unless he could be shown the airlock� hmmm�kidding).
Q3d: With my full force here I would have all the combat ready ships rendezvous with the Runnymede (which is farther into the Zemch Protectorate). The Istanbuls would goto 403 and the Novas would move to a position above the Gorn fleet. There they would make as much electronic, communication, and sensor noise as they could to simulate a Federation fleet on the flank of the Gorn. Communiqu�s would be sloppily relayed between the Al Reij and the �Ghost Fleet� to further bolster this deception. If the Gorn persist, despite the threat behind them, the real fleet will move up to where the Al Reij is and the line will be drawn. The Al Reij and battle-cruiser will pair off, the Minigamu & Blix will take the first escort, and the Runnymede & Douxen will take the second if it comes to blows.
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. Finally, there are plenty of Excelsiors around, even after war losses, and the war construction programmes have provided many more modern ships for exploration and defence missions in more important sectors.
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