Maybe next time when it returns to the 24th Century.
-------------------- "It speaks to some basic human needs: that there is a tomorrow, it's not all going to be over with a big splash and a bomb, that the human race is improving, that we have things to be proud of as humans." -Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek
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quote:Originally posted by Shik: Harry, I'm denying your G5-style shuttle. That's late 2280s tech. Please replace.
Okay.. so err.. what was the TMP Enterprise using again? I want a standard shuttle, but not the standard shuttle that comes with the Vulcan warp sled (which somehow doesn't really look like a surface workhorse). So just a standard (or possibly slightly updated) TOS shuttle, as seen in TMP:DE?
posted
Okay, since the Sahara tender is primarily a transport and resupply vessel, I'm taking it.
-------------------- “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
Well, fandom states that it was the sled shuttle (& was seen in TMP in the bay as well, I believe) but I think there might be a Jackill's landing attachment for that. Go look. I'll accept that.
MM: Gobi is a go. (Mmmmm...aloo gobi....)
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
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posted
But you didn't answer my question about General Plis'Qen!
-------------------- “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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To be more specific in my plans, I'll have the new Miranda and Polaris arrivals operate out of K-10 as my "anti-Klingon" patrol force. They're my heaviest ships and will be the strongest deterrent to any major moves that the Klingons make in the "northern" part of the sector. Also, India and the two Avengers will operate out of K-10 as well, but they'll be focusing on the area towards the Ul'chek Nebula, for anti-piracy patrols. Finally, my three Asmodeii, the Skua, and the Predators will be the main anti-piracy squadron for the Safko-Repka-Sobchak's triangle, the critical area that I have to defend for my supply routes and defense against possible Penxi aggression. They'll be spread out a bit, with the Predators forming the linchpin of the patrol towards the center. Not coincidentally, that also places them near Safko, where they can be a reassuring presence in the aftermath of the recent raid
Yvel and Ogul can be left with their extant defenses for now, because my force is mainly serving as a buffer between them and the border regions. And Espejo is close enough to K-10 that it's protected by the Saratoga squadron.
-------------------- “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
Admiral Shrump�s personal communiqu� to Admiral Neutrino, Stardate 7716.9
Admiral Neutrino, I appreciate the imput you have provided regarding the Sochak Sector. I would especially like to note some of your points specifically.
In regards to the overall balance of the Sobchak Colony agricultural vs. industrial needs, I feel you have hit on a key point. This sector is very well populated. Providing there is no blockade by hostile forces, or a dangerous level of pirate activity, any early deficiencies in the colony's set-up should easily be overcome with imports from the more established Federation worlds.
A blockade or pirate activity will be the major stumbling point in this plan, however. Unless the convoys to the Sobchak Colony are well escorted, hostile forces will be able to easily strangle the colony of vital goods.
This brings me to your recommendation as to the size of the colony. A million colonists? What time frame are you projecting in order to reach a million colonists? That figure is a bit extreme, considering that Repka only has 1.8 million inhabitants and Safko has just under a million; and both of these systems are established Federation members.
Initial colony figures would realistically be roughly 5 to 10 thousand.
You also mentioned finished products and consumer goods being exported from Sobchak. This is another excellent long-range goal, but not achievable in the immediate time frame. Initial emphasis needs to be placed on establishing a solid agricultural base with enough industry to support the colony.
I agree with your military analysis of the situation, and your recommendations regarding fleet deployment. If only Starfleet could have filled the entire request. Your suggested fleet movements should provide an adequate patrol force for this region, as well as placing ships within easy reach of any hot spots that may develop.
I am concerned about your idea to use the Nernst as bait for the pirates in the system. It is a strategically sound idea and, if successful, worth the risk. The cost of losing the science vessel, however, is something to weigh in the balance.
One concern that I didn�t notice in your report was the heavy Klingon presence in this system. With an entire shipyard located right outside our back door, we must be ever vigilant to a full-fledged attack. The only advantage we have is they would need to transport crews to these new vessels before such an invasion could proceed.
Klingons are a touchy bunch. Any of our fleet movements may stir them up anyway.
Heck, they probably are supplying the pirates.
Station Log, Stardate 7717.0
Starfleet has approved my request for additional ships for the Sobchak Sector, but only has allocated half of the combat vessels I have requested. I expected my request to be trimmed some. I only hope that, with recent events, we�ll have enough ships to successfully defend this Sector.
Ships on hand:
73rd Sector Patrol Squadron There is a small standing patrol force homeported at K-10 that makes its rounds in the sector. It is as follows:
USS India (NCC-1479), Lancaster-class USS Skua (NCC-1396), Kestrel-class USS Dazzler (NCC-1567) & USS Reporter (NCC-1787), Avenger-class USS Buccaneer (NCC-1686) & USS Spanker (NCC-1842), Predator-class USS Nernst (NCC-893), Oberth Class Additional ships:
USS Alacrity (NCC-1881), Miranda Class USS Pelecyornis (NCC-1414), Kestrel Class USS Kite (NCC-1422), Kestrel Class USS Roc (NCC-1416), Kestrel Class USS Al Rashid (NCC-3802), Ptolemy Class Two MK II Cargo Pods Two MK IV Cargo Pods One Battle Pod
Freighters:
USS St. Claire (NCC-F1384), Huron Class Freighter USS Sault St. Marie (NCC-F1371), Huron Class Freighter USS Lake Michigan (NCC-F1314), Huron Class Freighter USS Kuiper (NCC-1545), Antares Class Freighter USS Meth-maren (NCC-1511), Antares Class Freighter USS Indian (NCC-T47), Ocean Class Freighter USS John Galt (NCC-F1524), Starmaster Class Freighter
The following freighters are being retrofitted as Q-ships
USS Sullust (NCC-1598), Antares Class USS Ruff (NCC-1517), Starmaster Class
I have divided the fleet and given the following patrol/route assignments:
The India, Skua and Pelecyornis have been dispatched to the Safko star system, the site of a recent raid by the Penxi. After assessing the situation, and assuring the citizens of Safko of Starfleet�s support and dedication, the three ships will follow a regular patrol route from Safko, along the Ul�Chek Nebula to K-10, back around the upper pininsula of Penxi space, then returning to Safko.
The Dazzler and Buccaneer will patrol from Sobchak�s Planet, along the Ul�Chek Nebula and the border between Federation and Klingon space, up to just past K-10 before returning to Sobchak�s Planet. This patrol route will also keep these ships relatively close to Safko.
The Reporter and Spanker will patrol from Sobchak�s Planet "south" along the Federation/Penxi border to the edge of the sector, then return to Sobchak�s Planet.
The Kite and Roc will patrol from K-10 to Sobchak�s Planet to Safko, then return to K-10
The Alacrity will proudly display the flag of the Federation as it patrols from K-10 to Repka, then Ogul, then Espejo, then back to K-10
The Nernst will continue the exploration and mapping of the Ul�Chek Nebula
Freighter convoys between Sobchak�s Planet and K-10 will be divided into two groups
Group 1:
USS St. Claire (NCC-F1384), Huron Class Freighter USS Sault St. Marie (NCC-F1371), Huron Class Freighter USS Kuiper (NCC-1545), Antares Class Freighter
The USS Al Rashid will escort this group. She will tow one cargo pod and one battle pod.
Group 2:
USS Lake Michigan (NCC-F1314), Huron Class Freighter USS Meth-maren (NCC-1511), Antares Class Freighter USS Indian (NCC-T47), Ocean Class Freighter USS John Galt (NCC-F1524), Starmaster Class Freighter
The Q-ships Sullust and Ruff will escort this group.
Starfleet has requested that I oversee the establishment of the settlement on Sobchak�s Planet. Group 2 will therefore be assigned the initial task of delivering the colonists and initial supplies. I�ve requested that Safko supply the raw materials and metals needed for constructing the base colony and the limited mining operation. I have also sent out a request for any Hortas to immigrate to Sobchak�s Planet for mining opportunities. The planet may not be as rocky as Janus, but hopefully I�ll get some eager kids willing to leave the nest.
Initial food shipments will arrive from Repka. We�ll import enough foodstuffs to last until the agricultural fields start producing adequately. Additionally, a base livestock population will be introduced to Sobchak�s planet. This group will be limited with an eye closely kept on the dangers of introducing alien wildlife into the environment. Federation science specialists will be on hand to determine which local fauna will be good for agricultural purposes. I have sent a request for Yvel to fill this area.
Lastly, a Starfleet military garrison will be set up for colony defense. A standard satellite defense network will be placed in orbit and adequate ground-based phaser batteries installed.
A small Penxi raiding party attacked Safko, killing 228 people and stealing numerous supplies. I have been in regular contact with the government of Safko with the goal of allaying their current state of unease. I have arranged for regular patrols to visit Safko and keep an eye on this troublesome spot of the sector. Additionally, I have encouraged the government of Safko of looking into beefing up their local security and defense network. Starfleet advisors are already there helping them recover from this attack.
My Klingon counterpart, General Plis�Qen, has contacted me. He vehemently opposes the Nerst�s exploration of the Ul�Chek nebula, making the typical claims that we are covertly spying on the Klingon Empire. I have responded to his communiqu� (see additional file).
In light of the Penxi attack, and the probability of a prolonged Klingon military presence on Sobchek�s Planet, I am requesting that Starfleet send the following additional ship:
Four Valley Forge Class Cruisers Four Siegfried Class Dreadnauts Six Avenger Class Destroyers Two Miranda Class Cruisers
End log.
Communiqu� to the Penxi government:
Penxi raiders have attacked a Federation colony in the Safko system claiming the lives of 228 being and stealing various supplies. While Starfleet and the Federation does not view this attack as being officially condoned by your government, we are forced to advice you that such attacks will not be tolerated and the Federation will take measures to defend ourselves from any further acts of aggression, including, but not limited to, finding and eliminating any such raiding parties and their bases of operation.
Communique to General Plis'Qin, Klingon Defense Force:
Greetings my dear General Plis'Qin, and welcome ot the Sobchak Sector. I do so hope your staff made you feel as welcome as my staff did up on my arrival.
You have our utmost regrets over the loss of your vessel in the Ul'Chek Nebula. Sadly, those valiant warriors now serving in Sto'Vo'Kor are the only ones that know exactly what happened to them. Like your vessles and outposts, ours have been plagued by Penxi assaults, pirate raids and unusual encounters. Our survey ship, the USS Nernst, is currently investigating one of those mysterious readings in the nebula. Rest assured this mission is purely scientific and not one of a clandestine nature. We are Starfleet officers, not Romulans. We are not in the habit of using cloaks or camoflage and spy on our neighbors. We are honorable warriors, not green-blooded cowards.
We have noticed the approach of your colony vessels toward Sobchak's Planet. I hope you have a successful colony established. Our colony will stand by to assist you in any way necessary.
Do feel free to visit us at K-10 anytime. Our doors are always open for your staff's colorful shore-leave visits.
I have sent a special package with this communication. I hope you find our whiskey to your liking. It's not as potent as blood wine, but still enjoyable.
May you feast on the hearts of your enemies! Herb Shrump, Admiral, Starfleet Command, Sobchak Sector.
Registered: Feb 2004
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A civilian science vessel, the S.S. Nye, has arrived at Deep Space Station K-10 with word of an interesting discovery. While doing an exploration/mapping survey for a Tellerite mining consortium in the starsystem directly "Souteast" of Sobchak's Planet, they detected unusal energy reading eminating from the fourth planet in the system. These energy readings were very faint and only detectable from a range of about 2 AUs from the planet.
Upon closer examination, the crew of the Nye discovered the remains of a modest size settlement of unknown origin. Initial dating of the structures place the site as being thousands of years old. It is unclear if this site was an outpost of the Calandans (TOS "That Which Survives"), the T'Kon Empire (TNG "The Last Outpost") or some as-yet undiscovered civilization.
This system is located very close to both Penxi and Klingon territory. While it appears these two civilizations have not discovered the ruins yet, it may only be a matter of time, since there is evidence Penxi raiders have visited the outer planets of the system.
How do you preserve the site for Federation arcaeologist/Starfleet scientists while, at the same time, not attracting the attention of the Klingons or Penxi to the possibility of an advanced alien base with potentially unimaginable weapons and advanced scientific knowledge just outside their back door?
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Psst... Herb, you forgot to make your own scenario.
EDIT: Nevermind, you did it while I was reading your answers.
-------------------- “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
Writing these answers in narrative form is taking far more time than I anticipated.
Registered: Feb 2004
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
You don't ahve to do it in narrative form, Herb. In fact. it would be easiest if you (& others) adopted the simplistic answer style used by MinutiaeMan...which is of course a holdover form the Mark-era YTAs.
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
Registered: Jun 2000
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Minutiaeman (and others), why did you get so many powerful ships when you were supposed to get ESCORTS! You have enough ships to roll over the Klingons now... Furthermore, your anti-piracy strategy seems to revolve more around hunter-killer groups then actually escorting transports. As the first two World Wars showed, with limited resources, it is much better to escort the transports directly in convoys. True, relative detection ranges are greater in space, but it is also three-dimensional, and the downsides of convoys are reduced via the transporter. In addition to the transports, you need to protect the small colonies. If even one pirate ship slips through your defenses, it could do a lot of damage. Finally, with all your ships, you have left Nernst unescorted! That nebula is pirate-city, so even though the Nernst would detect the pirates first, it is still dangerous.
Part B
What? I ask for two measly Kestrel class destroyers and I only get one ? Damn you Starfleet Command! Okay, I now have a choice between two Kestrel-class vessels. Choices, choices... hmmm... I�ll go with the USS Condor NCC-1419. Now my fleet has:
Lancaster-Class CA: USS India NCC-1479 Avenger-Class DD: USS Dazzler NCC-1567 USS Reporter NCC-1787 Predator-Class DD: USS Buccaneer NCC-1686 USS Spanker NCC-1842 Kestrel-Class DD: USS Skua NCC-1396 USS Condor NCC-1419
I thought Starfleet would want to establish a colony that could actually interact as a full partner with the other colonies and planets in the system (judging from the size of various colonies such as Alpha Centauri it certainly has the ability), but just a 5000-person outpost should be able to make a large contribution as well. However, the limited size means that the colony will need to be more limited to an agricultural focus with a much smaller amount of industry (not enough to support Safko or itself independently with industry, but enough for full food supply support), at least for the near-future.
The colonization plan will also change slightly. Instead of multiple transport routes to Sobchak�s planet, there will only be one, with Escort being provided by the two Kestrels (one a small ways ahead of the transports to hopefully provide some early-warning and one for close escort). See picture below for convoy route:
The thick line indicates the area where the two Kestrels will escort ships. The medium line is where the Avengers will take over (within safe response time of their colonies). Thin lines are unescorted routes, but they are far from pirates, except for the lower one, but ships will not pass on that route without the convoy being fairly close to Safko, making it safe as well.
Without explaining things in exact detail, the escorted route provides supplies for both Sobchak�s planet and Safko. One or more ships splits off on the lower route as the convoy passes Safko, and they return to the escorts on the way back. Near Repka, thr upward bound merchants leave the escorted route, and a new set of merchants arrive. The set that left does more merchanty-things, and arrives again to rejoin the next time the convoy returns to Repka.
So basically, there are two alternating merchant groups in the Repka-Safko-Sobchak route, plus one �permanent� group in Yvel-Safko-Sobchak route. The initial entry of the merchants (with all the colonists) will be the permanent group and one of the other groups, with the final group bringing in its colonists when the first alternating group leaves its escorts.
Part C
I am not sure about carrying capacities, but extrapolating upward with the Klingon transports as a basis, how about we have five Sahara-class transports total: two in the alternating groups, and one in the permanent group. If necessary, more could easily be added to any group.
The initial supplies will include the colonists, basic housing materials, and food supplies. A few biologists will also be temporarily transported to the Lancaster, and use its facilities for determining the optimal crops for the planet, perhaps modifying some crops for superior suitability. Mid-range sensors and basic defenses will also be brought along. The Lancaster may be attached to the colony, but as with all ships in the sector, its main mission may be temporarily canceled in an emergency, in which case it would be good to have early warning if pirates take advantage of the emergency.
The next set of supplies will include the rest of the colonists and their housing, as well as the proper material for growing things.
Subsequent sets will begin to include basic industry as some colonists not involved with farming complete their initial tasks. Shipments will also begin to upgrade the colonists� standards of living to what could be expected in an up-and-running Federation colony.
Part D
That�s a lot of escorts for a few merchant vessels. The Klingons probably want to use Sobchak�s planet as a forward base for operations against the pirates, possibly against the Penxi, and of course to threaten Federation possessions in the �lower� area. The bottom line is that the Klingons do seem to have a lot more to gain strategically from possession of Sobchak�s planet then the Federation does.
Part E
A message should be sent to the Klingons detailing the true purpose of the Nernst, to survey the nebula, and possibly to uncover secret pirate bases. If we wanted to spy on the Klingons, we would be popping in and out of the edge of the nebula with long-range sensors. If the Klingons doubt our intentions, they could by all means send some of their own ships into the nebula to moniter the Nernst (though NOT with active sensors, so stealthlyness is maintained). We could, gasp, even coordinate a search for pirates. Finally, it should be detailed that the Federation is most displeased with the Penxi.
The Federation is still probably in something of a cold war with the Klingons, but it is not nearly as bad as it was before the Organian treaty. There are opportunities to significantly improve relations, but things must be done carefully. A strong face must be presented to the Klingons. For example, the Federation should not ask for their help without first having a clear show of strength, to make it seem that we are not pleading, but simply asking to work together.
This is infact the general plan for this sector. The current disposition means that some pirates will hopefully be caught soon. After this victory of sorts, increased diplomatic efforts could be made with the Klingons to take more forceful action against the pirates, or more specifically, against the Penxi. The Penxi may be defiant against the Federation or Klingons independently, but they couldn�t help but feel great pressure if both were working together. Thus, it would be suggested to the Klingons after some pirates are destroyed to for a united front against the Penxi, to get them to purge corruption in their government and deal with pirates in their territory, or else the Federation and Klingon Empire might do it for them.
Part F
Well, with my deployment, Safko will be defended by a powerful destroyer. Furthermore, it will be a major stop on the route of the escorted convoy, again increasing its safety. Surely they could bear one destroyer based in their area. If not, the destroyer could be homeported in Refka, switching with one of the Kestrels when it needs to get some maintenance and supplies. The escorted convoy passing through shouldn�t trouble them much as well.
Also, Safko would make a great place for a long-range sensor installation (Sobchak�s planet would be a bit better, but would upset the Klingons). Would the peaceful space-quakers be upset by the presence of a long-range sensor near them? Probably not, and it could be used to spy on the Penxi and perhaps track some pirate movements near the hub of merchant activity.
Part G
The Nernst finds in the nebula an unmistakably Penxi transport vessel transferring supply to a pirate raider. The Nernst remains undetected. How do you proceed?
Now stop asking about convoys and colonization! My fingers hurt from the typing...
posted
I'm going to respond to Neutrino's critiques, since I assume that it's not going to be part of the next question. If it is, I'll just have my work done early!
I took the word "escorts" to mean "combat-capable starships" for general defense of the sector. I requested the Miranda and the destroyers mainly to free up the equivalent heavy ships already assigned to the sector for anti-pirate duty. I view the strategic deployment of starships to be a bit more fluid -- at least, in theory. Any of the ships should be able to be redeployed at any moment. For example, what if I've got a huge convoy, and some intel that the Penxi intend to throw their heavy cruisers against it? Then I'll need to send in the Miranda for adequate defense.
As far as the deployment of "hunter-killer" teams, all Starfleet transports are well capable of defending themselves for short periods of time (c.f. "The Pirates of Orion"). Long enough for any nearby starships to respond. My hope (and I forgot to mention this, actually) is that I'll be able to catch the pirates in the act and nail a bigger percentage of their forces in the bargain. But just sending in heavy escorts will do nothing but discourage attacks against the escorted transports, and the pirates will just focus on civilian traffic instead. (You did remember the civilians, I hope?) By spreading the net a bit wider, there's the chance of a few attacks slipping through, but I'll still be in position to close the net and catch the attackers, with a minimum of overall damage done.
-------------------- “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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Ack! You're pulling out TAS referances on me? I haven't even seen those... (though should I?)
At any rate, I thought that virtually all the transports would be civilian, unless Starfleet is responsible for colonizing...
I would think the transports I alloted would also be sufficient for Safko after the initial deliveries. At any rate, civilian craft could use the escorted route as well, or at least be the escorted areas if they have different optimal speeds then the Ocean transports...
To Herbshrump, the Nernst isn't quite "bait". It's just that the escort isn't right next to it, but rather, a few seconds warp-jump away.
As a general note on colony sizes, I was under the impression that the Federation could move massive numbers of people very quickly, so I just chose a colony size that would seem to be optimum for the sector. Colonies such as Alpha Centauri and Espejo in this sector (each with people numbering in the BILLIONS), seem to confirm the Federation's transport ability, even if they've been growing for a hundred years and have high rates of birth...
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