The next question will be ready on Tuesday or Wednesday.
-------------------- “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
It's a shorter set of questions this time, to let everyone catch up.
Question Three
Choose one of the situations from Part (D) of Question Two and respond to it.
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?
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?
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.
-------------------- “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
How did I know this was coming?
So if no one answers, do I get to not anser my own Part D?
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Why don't you save 3(A) until someone else responds. I'm an optimist.
-------------------- “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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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?
-------------------- I have plenty of experience in biology. I bought a Tamagotchi in 1998... And... it's still alive.
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
I looked up Showaddywaddy. Cheeky.
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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.
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-------------------- “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'm holding off until I have more than a single person to choose from.
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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.
posted
Nice one Fabrux, I'll try and post something tonight or tomorrow. TTFN
-------------------- I have plenty of experience in biology. I bought a Tamagotchi in 1998... And... it's still alive.
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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.
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.
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.
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Image 2B iv
Image 2C
Image 3D
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