posted
Let's have a shot at the scenario, then. A calamity in deep space is something that would probably be discovered by my roaming little Constellation. She'd offer immediate assistance, ignoring any communiques from the Tekanans. In the meantime, I'd contact the Tekanan leadership and explain that assisting ships in distress is something that Starfleet does, that starship captains take such action automatically without consulting higher-ups, and that if this general principle isn't acceptable to the Tekanans, they have no business being in the UFP in the first place. What if a similar disaster befell *their* ships, and assistance was withheld on political grounds?
My Mirandas would be escorting Tekanani/Lysaran merchant convoys at the time. I'd point out that this service is something I do on goodwill, not because it's on the Starfleet Charter. And the Tekanans should be able to read between the lines that the convoy escort ops are an anti-Kestu measure, and thus proof enough that I *don't* unfairly support the enemies of the Tekanans.
I'd naturally move my starship tender to the Kestu disaster zone to assist. She ought to be of help there. Plus, I get a chance to examine Kestu ships close up, for future reference. The accusations of sabotage I'd promise to help investigate, but I'd also be very "diplomatic" about it, so my failure to go aggressively into it would look like "courtesy" and "unwillingness to meddle unduly" to the Kestu.
posted
Hello everyone... I've had so much fun responding to Timo's big challenge in the Sector Beta scenario, that I thought I'd go back and try my hand at the Sector Alpha game.
I looked into the thread once in a while while this game was going on, but I didn't peek again before working on this. (I don't remember that much from before, anyway. Just to let y'all know.)
QUESTION ONE (three parts)
A) Given the information above, define what the priorities of a Starfleet presence should be. Keep in mind the unknown military capabilities of the aliens beyond the border, and the political nature of the three planets involved. Also, note any deficiencies in the information provided and what should be done to fill in the gaps.
Starfleet's priorities in Sector Alpha should be as follows:
(1) To encourage interstellar peace and diplomacy between all races and planets in the sector. (2) To defend Federation members and Federation allies from foreign threats. (3) To explore unknown space, and to make peaceful contact with new life and new civilizations.
War has been no stranger to this sector, mainly in the form of the unknown aliens who apparently originate from the "north." Starfleet's goal is to defend the local civilizations from any aggression by these foes. However, attempts should be made to contact this alien race and attempt to establish peaceful relations there as well.
- Tekanan III is likely to be the hub of Starfleet activities in this sector, as an applicant to Federation membership. The planet is on seriously weak footing, given that its population was practically wiped out by these unknown aliens. Other than that, it appears to be a stable, peaceful civilization that would be a good candidate for Federation membership.
- Lysara also appears to be a stable and peaceful. A monarchy, though generally perceived as an outdated form of government, is nevertheless most likely a reasonable form of managing planetary affairs. Furthermore, it seems that Lysara is an excellent candidate for a close diplomatic and commercial partnership with Tekanan. Tekanen has lots of raw materials and an industrial base, while Lysara is low on natural resources and has a large commercial fleet. It's a prime match.
- Kestu IX is the planet that worries me. Though apparently peaceful, historically, totalitarian regimes have caused nothing but trouble. The presence of their large "defensive" fleet is also quite disturbing, and has the potential to upset the balance of the sector if deployed in a hostile manner. However, the planet is low on natural resources, and therefore could also benefit from a partnership with Tekanen, which has plentiful resources.
Therefore, the best possible method of promoting peace and prosperity in this sector would be to encourage trade between all three planets. Make them interdependent on each other, and they'll come to realize that peace is the best possible option.
B) Based on your answer to (A), choose a location to place a space-based Starbase to operate from. Assume that the Starbase will be able to defend itself from most threats, and will carry with it a very visible Federation presence regardless of where it is placed. It can be placed in orbit of a planet, in orbit of a star, or in the middle of space. Think Starbase 375.
Tekanan III is a planet that has applied for Federation membership, and therefore already has a fairly close relationship with Starfleet. Furthermore, it is the planet most lacking in defenses, and has the most potential to become a major trade hub for the sector.
Starbase 574 will be located in orbit of Tekanan III.
C) Assume Starfleet will allocate you no more than TEN Federation starships to accomplish their goals given the priorities you've outlined. Define what clases, or types, of ships should be assigned to your fleet. Assume that:
-There can be no more than ONE Galaxy/Sovereign/Ambassador class ship in your fleet. If you include one, justify its presence. -Your fleet will include at least TWO non-combat type ships (science, transport, etc.). Justify their presence and/or use. -Of the remainder, explain their primary and secondary missions.
quote:From: Rear Admiral Dan Carlson, Sector Alpha To: Fleet Admiral Mark Nguyen, Sector 001 Re: Fleet Assets in Sector Alpha
After reviewing the current political and historical background of Sector Alpha, and considering the current environment of the region, I hereby request that the following ships be assigned to my command:
1 Galaxy-class explorer 1 Nebula-class heavy cruiser 1 Excelsior-class cruiser 3 New Orleans-class frigates 1 Cheyenne-class fast frigate 2 Springfield-class scouts
I believe that these vessels are necessary in order to patrol the space lanes between the three planets of the sector, to provide for the defense of Federation allies, and to explore the various scientific phenomena in the region. I would also remind the Admiral of the currently unknown alien race (classified as Threat Alpha 9-5) which in the recent past caused vast devastation on Tekanan III, and has been known to operate in the sector adjacent to Sector Alpha.
The Galaxy-class explorer would be used both as a diplomatic embassy to promote peaceful relations in the sector, and to explore the region adjacent to Sector Alpha to the galactic north. Should hostilities break out, the ship will also serve as the primary defense flagship.
The Nebula-class heavy cruiser will serve as the primary patrol ship in the sector, alternatively monitoring the Tekanan-Kestu trade route and the northern border of the sector.
The Excelsior-class cruiser will serve as an auxiliary patrol cruiser, monitoring the Tekanan-Lysara and Lysara-Kestu trade routes, as well as the region south of Lysara.
The three New Orleans-class frigates will patrol the space lanes and protect trade vessels from any pirates in the region, as well as be on hand to provide assistance as necessary. Should hostilities break out, these three ships will for the primary tactical wing (along with the Nebula heavy cruiser).
The Cheyenne-class fast frigate will serve as a quick-response vessel to any emergency situations which develop.
One Springfield-class scout will monitor the northern border with the Threat Force, while the other will be detailed to scientific analysis of the Really Big Nebula along the southern frontier.
-------------------- “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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A) OBJECTIVELY CRITIQUE one of the other 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.
I'm going to go with a general critique:
For those Admirals who placed their stations in a location other than Tekanan III, I really don't see the benefit of locating a major starbase in interstellar space, unless that location provides an important tactical advantage. The starbase is likely to become important to civilian trade as well as providing for defense, and in both those cases, Tekanan III is most in need of those services.
For those who commented that Tekanan isn't a Federation member yet, I really don't see how that makes a difference. DS9 was operated by Starfleet for years before Bajor joined the Federation. We can still help out withou requiring planets to join the Federation.
B) Assume the fleet composition from your first answer represents your recommendation to Starfleet for what you need to accomplish the mission in Sector Alpha. Starfleet accepts your recommendation and provides you your (permenant) force - however, at the last minute the TWO LARGEST or BEST EQUIPPED ships in that fleet are suddenly reassigned elsewhere for independent duty. All your other ships arrive as assigned, but Starfleet cannot assign you another ship for the forseeable future. Explain which ships would no longer be in your fleet, and how you would redeploy your remaining assets to best accomplish your goals. Note any possible diplomatic deviations from what you originally planned. Your fleet will remain unchanged from this point forward.
Frell. I forgot about this little twist...
quote:Starships assigned to Sector Alpha: USS Fredrickson, Excelsior-class, NCC-42111 USS Agincourt, New Orleans-class, NCC-65183 USS Thomas Paine, New Orleans-class, NCC-65530 USS Champion, New Orleans-class, NCC-57476 USS Delaware, Cheyenne-class, NCC-71019 USS T'sao Chan, Springfield-class, NCC-57284 USS Asimov, Springfield-class, NCC-57311
I lost a Galaxy and a Nebula. These were going to be my two heavy-hitters, and I'm left with only one cruiser-type starship now. After this little cost-saving reduction, my total fleet tonnage is reduced by about half! This is a major cutback, here. (Thanks, Mark!)
I'm going to have to cut back on my general patrols of the sector, and eliminate the plans for sending a ship to explore the sector to the north. The Excelsior will become my flagship, though I could often hitch a ride aboard the Cheyenne (the fastest ship) should my personal presence become necessary.
C) What follows are three possible scenarios for events in Sector Alpha. For each scenario, describe what 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. Describe also any diplomatic efforts your staff should be making. NOTE: Assume that events from one scenario will not directly affect the others.
i) Pirate attacks on shipping increase sharply throughout the sector with the increased commercial traffic. The technology they use has not changed (assume they use relatively small ships like the Maquis), there's just a lot more of them. The Lysarans want to hunt down and end this threat, but do not have the resources to do so.
My three New Orleans-class frigates would be assigned to patrol the space lanes. To add a bit of firepower, my Excelsior would also pitch in whenever it can.
ii) Half of the warships at Kestu IX are suddenly called away from whatever they were doing, and appear to be massing at the border directly "north" of the planet along with non-combatant support ships. The Kestu government has not issued a statement concerning these maneuvers; they've been known to sortie up to three of their larger ships at a time for maneuvers or patrols, but never five in a single force. This has caused the other planets to become rather nervous. Tekanan III has closed its direct trade route to Kestu until the resolution of this crisis. Lysara has not, but is moving two of its warships to the border to investigate.
With the unknown Threat Force to the north, perhaps the Kestu got some kind of indication that there's some kind of activity going on nearby.
I'd send the Asimov and the Delaware to perform some sweeps of the border, in cooperation with the Lysarans if they're interested. I'd keep clear of the Kestu, but try to snoop around a little and figure out what they're up to.
I'd also try to reassure the Tekanan government that things are under control, and encourage them to re-open the trade route to Kestu. Peace won't come without learning how to weather some of the bumps along the way.
iii) An alien probe was detected going into the Really Big Nebula. Before contact was lost, it was determined that the probe's warp signature matched records of the alien warships from across the border that attacked Tekanan III. Possible weapons signatures of this race are also detected from the probe. These findings are confirmed independently by the planets, resulting in increased patrols around the sector by their forces. Tekanan III is actively asking for a repsonse from Starfleet.
I'd send the T'sao Chan into the nebula to try to track that probe. Assuming that there's no communications-jamming characteristics in this nebula, I'd order them to keep open comms and make regular reports -- I don't want any ships to go missing. The Fredrickson and the Delaware would be assigned as backup.
D) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (C). Any reasonable military, political or scientific scenario is acceptable. However, DO NOT ANSWER the scenario yourself. Rather, it will be answered by the others as part of Question Three.
The Kestu fleet begins stopping some of the Tekanan and Lysaran ships as they enter Kestu space. The Kestu insist that it's just a formality for improved planetary security, and the Kestu inspectors aren't pushy, violent, or especially troublesome. However, the Tekanan government takes exception to the boarding and searching of their ships, and asks Starfleet for some assistance in this matter.
[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: MinutiaeMan ]
-------------------- “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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quote:Starships assigned to Sector Alpha: USS Fredrickson, Excelsior-class, NCC-42111 USS Agincourt, New Orleans-class, NCC-65183 USS Thomas Paine, New Orleans-class, NCC-65530 USS Champion, New Orleans-class, NCC-57476 USS Delaware, Cheyenne-class, NCC-71019 USS T'sao Chan, Springfield-class, NCC-57284 USS Asimov, Springfield-class, NCC-57311
1) Given the answers in Part (4) of the previous question, answer any TWO of the situations presented.
quote:Originally posted by David Templar: The redistribution of naval forces in the sector has left the trade routes all but unprotected. Despite the increased tension, races like the Lysaraian still maintain a good deal of trade to support their economy. That trade is now being threatened like never before. The Lysaraian Monarch is faced with the tough choice of either guarding the nebula-facing region, or the trade routes. He chooses the nebula. As a result, the powerful trade guilds of Lysara began actively challanging the Monarch. Civil unrest ensues, and there is much division inside the Monarch's court. All in all, the government of Lysara effectly grinds to a halt. Fearful of negative opinion from the Federation and the reprecussion from the trade guilds of using force to quell the unrest, the Monarch has asked for your help.
Simple. I tell the Lysarans that there's no cause for a full-fleet alert, and tell them to send their ships back on to commerce patrol duty. Just to keep them happy, though, I send the Delaware and the Thomas Paine out to keep an eye on the nebula for a week or two.
quote:Originally posted by Harry: Kestan resistance groups, controlling a few countries on the planet, have united and now call themselves the Freedom Alliance and demand recognition and humanitarian aide by the Federation. The totalitarian regime warns the Federation that they will not tolerate any interference in what they call 'internal affairs' and threaten to attack Tekanan if necessary. Still, the rebels seem to have strong support networks around the Kestran globe.
Hmm, this is a difficult decision. However, the Prime Directive must remain paramount -- this qualifies as a planetary civil war, and is by definition an internal affair. I won't get involved directly... but I WILL put some diplomatic pressure on the Kestu government to initiate some reforms, and acknowledge the democratic movements.
2) In rapid succession, two events occur: first is the collapse of the monarchy on Lysara, with the Monarch being assassinated without a clear heir. Economic and social unrest erupt planetwide. Then, one week later, the Kestu Fleet mentioned previously take up positions in orbit of the planet and commence beaming troops and personel to one country on Lysara, which has announced that it has sought their help to guard their borders from the other countries. As this happens, two other countries on that planet ask for the smae thing, and two more ask for Federation assistance.
a) Detail what your fleet movement would have been when you first heard of the assassination, and how that deployment may change once the Kestu fleet showed up.
First, I'd call the Kestu on the fact that they just told the Federation to keep out of THEIR civil war, but now they're getting involved in the Lysaran's...
The Delaware and the Fredrickson would be diverted to Lysara. (The Thomas Paine is already in the vicinity.) However, their orders would not be to provide assistance to the Lysaran countries... but instead to prevent the Kestu from providing theirs. Should that be impossible, ONLY then would they provide support to the Lysarans.
However, they are to make all attempts to avoid a direct confrontation with the Kestu.
b) What would your recomendations be to Starfleet in the report you will send to them? What investigations, if any, would you perform first? If you feel the need to ask for help, what form of help would you request?
I don't feel the need to ask for help... at this point, the conflicts are largely internal. I have no intention of fighting the Kestu, and I don't think they have any intention of fighting me.
I WOULD check to see if the Kestu had any involvement in the assassination of the Lysaran monarch.
c) If the events in this question were reversed - that is, the Kestu fleet arrived in orbit first, and then the Lysaran monarch was assassinated, how would your answer in part (a) change?
If that were the case, then I would conclude that the Kestu had attacked a Federation ally. And then, I would use offensive measures to drive them away from Lysara, and do all I could to maintain order there.
3) With the events on the other two planets, the Tekanans are even more nervous and have stepped up their program to rapidly build warp-capable warships of their own. They have asked for Starfleet assistance - assume that they can build anything up to, say, something equivalent to an Excelsior-class ship, and will have five ships of any kind ready within the next year. What would you recommend the Tekanans do with their fleet, and how would you redeploy your fleet to match, avoid, or complement this new force?
I'd recommend that the Tekanan should gear their ships towards patrol and defense. They don't need to pack heavy offensive weaponry, but they need good defensive staying power and a fast warp drive.
Five Excelsior-equivalents would certainly be a welcome addition. It would free up my forces to perform more border sweeps, perhaps even send a ship to explore the northern frontier.
[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: MinutiaeMan ]
-------------------- “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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quote:Starships assigned to Sector Alpha: USS Fredrickson, Excelsior-class, NCC-42111 USS Agincourt, New Orleans-class, NCC-65183 USS Thomas Paine, New Orleans-class, NCC-65530 USS Champion, New Orleans-class, NCC-57476 USS Delaware, Cheyenne-class, NCC-71019 USS T'sao Chan, Springfield-class, NCC-57284 USS Asimov, Springfield-class, NCC-57311
1) The diplomatic situation crumbles on Lysara, resulting in a declaration of war on the planet between a group of countries unaligned since the assassination, on the alliance of countries that are backed by the Kestu. This war is being fought mostly on the ground, but is spilling into local space in the binary system, through the use of mostly sublight ships. Starfleet has ordered you to offer aid to the countries that have asked for it, not to the countries that are fighting, and to stay out of the conflict. However, they have assigned a combat starship and two more transports to your fleet (you decide what classes). The following situations arise; what would your response be?
a) What kinds of ships would your additional three be, and how would they be deployed?
Okay, so I'm basically helping the neutral countries to stay neutral. That's reasonable enough.
quote:New Additions to Task Force 114: USS Truxton, Akira-class, NCC-64901 USS Banff, Istanbul-class, NCC-38562 USS Glacier, Istanbul-class, NCC-38715
b) In the opening salvoes of the war, the Lysaran fleet (controlled by the unaligned countries) and the orbiting Kestu fleet mutually annihilate each other in a huge battle. Unfortunately, it also happens to take out one of your patrol ships in the area (you decide which one) and the Tekanan transport it was escorting. Immediately following, the Kestu accuse you of helping the Lysarans and their inferior fleet.
Damn those Kestu. I've lost the Thomas Paine thanks to their imperialistic meddling. They seem to be trying to cause plenty of trouble.
The Thomas Paine was unfortunately destroyed before the Captain could make a final report, so I have no information on her actions at this time. However, if the Kestu attacked the Paine, then she certainly would have counterattacked... and probably took out a Kestu cruiser or two in the bargain.
c) The war on Lysara is causing a refugee crisis on the planet, as people flee the fighting -- not only to the countries the Federation is helping, but transports full of refugees head towards the Tekanan system. However, the already-stretched Tekanans don't want to give the Kestu an excuse to blow up their shiny new fleet, and refuse. As such, the refugee ships start making cycles to the Class-L world across the border. No response from those aliens is observed, though it is a clear violation of their territory.
Well, we haven't heard a peep from the mysterious Threat Aliens in quite a while... not even when the Kestu were on military maneuvers. So if there was indeed a claim on the Class-L planet, it's apparently been abandoned.
I'd instruct the Champion, the Agincourt, and the Asimov to patrol the refugee alley, and keep an eye on those transports to make sure they're not harmed. The Asimov would stay closest to the Class-L planet and keep some sensors peeled on the northern frontier, to make sure that the Threat Aliens don't make a sudden appearance.
d) The conflict climaxes with the detonation of several antimatter devices on Kestu IX, wiping out the three largest cities on the planet -- and the totalitarian regime with it. Investigations reveal that the weapons used had Federation signatures. The new Kestu government, democratic, thanks the Federation for their help and ceases its involvement in the Lysaran war, effectively ending the conflict on both planets. However, both planets are effectively in ruins, and none of the fighting sides on Lysara are happy with the Federation.
What the hell???
Oh boy, this is going to be a nasty political mess. The end result is amenable, but the means of getting that result are horrific. Just how the hell did the Kestu resistance get their hands on some Federation antimatter charges?
I'm going to have a hard time proving that the Federation didn't have anything to do with the bombings. The Kestu are going to have to deal with the fallout of their planet getting nuked for decades to come, and even if their regime is benevolent, that doesn't help much.
The Lysarans are going to be pissed, too... I wouldn't help one side, and effectively fought against the other. And the planet's been hit hard by the war... just wonderful.
The two Istanbuls (plus any other available transports) would be immediately dispatched to carry relief and reconstruction supplies to both Lysara and Kestu. I'd offer to help patrol their territories now that their forces have been eliminated, to help keep the peace. As for internal resolutions... I'll try to help where I can, but ultimately it's up to the natives.
2) Assume that the alien probe incursion mentioned in part two actually occurred. Your fleet got ahold of it, but it was mostly forgotten during the war. Now, it has been recovered and analyzed at your Starbase. It's not a military probe -- rather, it was a distress buoy. The aliens, called the Saalit, were a resources-heavy empire that was beset upon by a biological plague during their occupation of Tekanan III. After they withdrew from the sector decades ago as a result of the plague, their empire collapsed into anarchy. Years later, a democratic regime appeared but lacked the technology to send more than automated probes asking for help before they all died. The probe was recovered long after the Saalit were supposed to have perished.
a) Describe who should be told of this information, and in what order.
I'd first try to verify the information, and make sure that it's not a ruse of some sort. If I can convince Starfleet to send a scoutship into Saalit territory, that'd be great.
As soon as I get some indicators, though, I'd make a public announcement. The disappearance of a major threat force would seriously ease tensions in the sector -- nobody would have to keep looking over their shoulders any more.
b) Assume that the Saalit territory encompasses at least 20 sectors. Given your remaining resources, what kind of exploration program would you recommend to Starfleet?
Exploration program? I seriously doubt that. I can send my two Springfields in to do a preliminary long-range survey, but that's about it. With twenty sectors, I'd need at least a Galaxy-class starship to handle that much territory, and probably several other support ships.
However, I can try to maneuver Starfleet into making Sector Alpha the "gateway" to the ex-Saalit territory. Having more Starfleet ships heading through would be a great boon for the sector, especially for fostering trade and exploration.
3) The final action occurs as Tekanan III is accepted into the Federation as a full member. Per usual policy, the Tekanan military will be absorbed into Starfleet, and their infrastructure will be upgraded to Federeation par. Also, a ground-based Starbase facility (assimilating the orbital shipyards and facilities) will be constructed. This will be matched by an influx of trade into the sector beyond what you had husbanded, not to mention several powers besides the Federation which would use your sector as a base for their operations.
a) A consortium of Federation-friendly countries on Lysara has offered to buy your space-based Starbase and tow it to a neutral area of space (if it's not already in one), and have already purchased the Tekanan fleet you recommended in the previous question. They would like to use the base as a commercial hub and a base for exploration, much like you did. Would you advise Starfleet to sell the base, and why?
Um... why did the Lysaran's purchase the Tekanan fleet, when it was supposed to be absorbed into Starfleet?
To answer the question, I would certainly recommend that Starfleet sell the base, if only to please the Lysarans. With the ground-based facility, the heavy orbital base becomes slightly less important. Letting the Lysarans have it gives them a chance to expand their influence in the sector, and bring them into the fold as well. After the beating their planet took in the recent civil war, any little bit helps. The station would also make a great stopover for Starfleet ships that are heading out towards Saalit territory.
b) It's time to move on. Starfleet has decided to send you on to Sector Beta, and to replace you with a fresh Admiral to continue your work. As your last duty in this sector, you are to brief the new guy about what you've done. Read over your responses to all the previous questions. Define what Starfleet's priorities should be in this sector, and your recommendations to your replacement as to what he should concentrate on. Also recommend a reasonable set of additional ships to complement your remaining fleet to that end.
Starfleet's main priorities now are to maintain the fragile peace. The locals tried to break each other's heads and caused a real mess, but they seem to be gradually learning the value of cooperation. The Lysarans would make good Federation members in a few years, in fact. The ex-Tekanan fleet should make a good foundation for a native sector patrol force, combined with the remaining Kestu ships. With that in mind, the day-to-day patrol aspects aren't as important.
The hard part is over. The differences have been mostly overcome, and the outside threats have disappeared. Now, all you need to do is foster the growth and bring the other two planets into the fold.
c) Choose one of the starships in your fleet. It will be used to take you to Sector Beta, and will be incorporated into your fleet there.
In the interests of continuity, I'm going to ride out of town on the USS Fredrickson (Excelsior-class).
And so ends the series on Sector Alpha. Sector Beta is up next!
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Oh yeah, and since lots of pictures and supporting material have since passed from where they were, howzabout heading over to Admiral Dan's fantastic website on the subject.
posted
Hey, if you're bumping these threads, does that mean that you're getting ready to start up Sector Gamma?
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posted
Ironically, these little games are the entire reason I'm even on this forum. How odd.
Step One
Starfleet priorities: 1. Foster diplomacy and trade between local powers. 2. Ensure collective peace and well being, even in the face of military agression. 3. Expand knowledge and understanding, whether through first contact, exploration, or other actions.
fleet requesitions, made in the assumption that -I'm- the nodal force for the entire nine-sector area and that -I'll- be the one other commanders scream to for help.
- Envoy (Ambassador Class): Commanded by the Captain Sek, the Envoy has a diplomatic, political, and historical reputation that is unmatched in a single ship in Federation history (although, of course, the aggregate credits amassed by series ships like Enterprise surpass it by far). While Envoy herself borders on obsolescent in this age of Sovereign class explorers and quantum torpedoes, her prestige could provide significant dividends in attempts to improve diplomatic relations in this sector. Likewise, Sek, as a Horta, has decades to develope the diplomatic skills that are unfortunately not part of my makeup.
- Bladeheart (Akira Class): While extensive threats are not expected, the presence of such a complete unknown as the Sanan (aliens to the north of the sector) requires at least one front line combat starship.
- Rambler, Escaflowne, Redemption, Epiphany, Determination (all Excelsior II). These vessels, being replaced by newer designs in priority sectors, are still well suited to all manner of duties and more than adequate for Alpha Sector's needs.
- Quasar (Nova class), to be tasked with an extensive and in depth survey of the sector and all bodies therein.
- Woltz and Simmons (Oberth class), to provide monitoring patrols along the northern border.
Starbase 748 to be installed in orbit around one of the uninhabited bodies of the Tekanan system.
Three Excelsiors will be assigned to patrolling the trade routes between three local powers. Another Excelsior, the Bladeheart and the Oberths will patrol to the north.
Quasar will update charts of everything in the sector to Federation standard. The fifth Excelsior will remain at 748. The Excelsiors will cycle through their positions every few months, allowing them Starbase downtime in turn. Envoy will be assigned to, first, a diplomatic tour of the sector (PR, don't'cha know) and then to opening relations with the power to the north.
Step Two
Envoy suffers a major engineering casualty and is towed to the nearest major fleet base for decommissioning, as repair is judged to be more expensive than the aging hull warrants. Her crew is spread into temporary positions for the two years it will take for the next Sovereign Class, Envoy, to be completed. Bladeheart is reassigned.
Other deployments remain unchanged in their absence.
i) Pirate attacks on shipping increase sharply throughout the sector with the increased commercial traffic. The technology they use has not changed (assume they use relatively small ships like the Maquis), there's just a lot more of them. The Lysarans want to hunt down and end this threat, but do not have the resources to do so.
Coordinate anti-piracy patrols with the Lysaran fleet to increase coverage. Attempt to aquire Ketsuian assistance for this purpose. Decrease Excelsior downtime to the minimum necessary and assign the fifth ship to tracking down the pirate strongholds. If the pirate base is small enough to take out solo, do so, otherwise fall back until other assets can be gathered for a strike.
ii) Half of the warships at Kestu IX are suddenly called away from whatever they were doing, and appear to be massing at the border directly "north" of the planet along with non-combatant support ships. The Kestu government has not issued a statement concerning these maneuvers; they've been known to sortie up to three of their larger ships at a time for maneuvers or patrols, but never five in a single force. This has caused the other planets to become rather nervous. Tekanan III has closed its direct trade route to Kestu until the resolution of this crisis. Lysara has not, but is moving two of its warships to the border to investigate.
Have one of the Oberths monitor at long range (with instructions to run like their pants are on fire if things go bad), and inquire politely as to their intentions.
iii) An alien probe was detected going into the Really Big Nebula. Before contact was lost, it was determined that the probe's warp signature matched records of the alien warships from across the border that attacked Tekanan III. Possible weapons signatures of this race are also detected from the probe. These findings are confirmed independently by the planets, resulting in increased patrols around the sector by their forces. Tekanan III is actively asking for a repsonse from Starfleet.
Send Quasar to look for it, carefully.
Step Three
2) In rapid succession, two events occur: first is the collapse of the monarchy on Lysara, with the Monarch being assassinated without a clear heir. Economic and social unrest erupt planetwide. Then, one week later, the Kestu Fleet mentioned previously take up positions in orbit of the planet and commence beaming troops and personel to one country on Lysara, which has announced that it has sought their help to guard their borders from the other countries. As this happens, two other countries on that planet ask for the same thing, and two more ask for Federation assistance.
a) Detail what your fleet movement would have been when you first heard of the assassination, and how that deployment may change once the Ketsu fleet showed up.
If the pirates have been eliminated, assign the most diplomatic of the Excelsior COs to try and help things run smoothly. Otherwise, no change to deployments. Offer the Federation's services as an impartial arbiter of the succession.
After the Ketsu arrive... Pull three Excelsiors into orbit around Lysara to monitor the situation.
b) What would your recomendations be to Starfleet in the report you will send to them?
What investigations, if any, would you perform first? If you feel the need to ask for help, what form of help would you request?
Investigate: 1.) The exact circumstances of the Monarch's death. Try to find the source. 2.) How, precisely, the 'requests' to the Ketsu came about.
Given that this is more a game than anything else, I'll assume that both of the above cases are 'Ketsu meddling and lying to get their way'. That being the case...
Recommendations:
Send 1.) Firepower! The Ketsu deployment to Lysara outguns my entire fleet! 2.) An experienced diplomatic team. The Ketsu are looking more and more agressive as time goes by, and the historical precendents are -extremely- bad. And the Lysaran situation? Oy Vey!
In the meantime, I ask the Ketsu to withdraw their forces from Lysara, saying that their presence there is illegitimate. If they contest that, produce the evidence.
3) With the events on the other two planets, the Tekanans are even more nervous and have stepped up their program to rapidly build warp-capable warships of their own. They have asked for Starfleet assistance - assume that they can build anything up to, say, something equivalent to an Excelsior-class ship, and will have five ships of any kind ready within the next year. What would you recommend the Tekanans do with their fleet, and how would you redeploy your fleet to match, avoid, or complement this new force?
Add two ships to the communal Fed/Lys antipiracy patrols (Long Fleet), and keep the other three at home as a reaction/defense force (Home Fleet).
Step Four
i) What kinds of ships would your additional three be, and how would they be deployed?
Bladeheart arrives at last, along with two heavy transports.
ii) In the opening salvoes of the war, the Lysaran fleet (controlled by the unaligned countries) and the orbiting Kestu fleet mutually annihilate each other in a huge battle. Unfortunately, it also happens to take out one of your patrol ships in the area (you decide which one) and the Tekanan transport it was escorting. Immediately following, the Kestu accuse you of helping the Lysarans and their inferior fleet.
One of the Excelsiors, obviously - say, Rambler. Provide the Kestu with with Rambler's combat recorder data and a note saying that if I were helping the Lysaran combatants, they'd know about it.
iii) The war on Lysara is causing a refugee crisis on the planet, as people flee the fighting -- not only to the countries the Federation is helping, but transports full of refugees head towards the Tekanan system. However, the already-stretched Tekanans don't want to give the Kestu an excuse to blow up their shiny new fleet, and refuse. As such, the refugee ships start making cycles to the Class-L world across the border. No response from those aliens is observed, though it is a clear violation of their territory.
Prep the most persuasive 'gosh gee golly, thanks mister!' message possible in case the legitimate owners of the planet take an interest. Break off both Oberths to escort the trasports on aid runs to the growing refugee camps. Also, try to make sure, as gently as possible, that the refugee presence stays temporary and doesn't turn into a colonization endeavor.
iv) The conflict climaxes with the detonation of several antimatter devices on Kestu IX, wiping out the three largest cities on the planet -- and the totalitarian regime with it. Investigations reveal that the weapons used had Federation signatures. The new Kestu government, democratic, thanks the Federation for their help and ceases its involvement in the Lysaran war, effectively ending the conflict on both planets. However, both planets are effectively in ruins, and none of the fighting sides on Lysara are happy with the Federation.
Find out how those bombs got there, then crucify those Starfleet officers who have broken their oaths and provided them. Offer aid to both planets, and try to mend fences on Lysara.
i) Describe who should be told of this information, and in what order.
Release the data generally, and in such a way that the Tekanan -hopefully- don't explode.
ii) Assume that the Saalit territory encompasses at least 20 sectors. Given your remaining resources, what kind of exploration program would you recommend to Starfleet?
Dispatch a number of small, fast ships with basic medical facilities to look for survivors and render aid until an Olympus class can arrive. Once it has been established that a.) there aren't any survivors or b.) the Fed has done everything it can, read the leftover Saalit maps and start checking them for accuracy. Further operations should be handled by the CO of -that- sector.
i) A consortium of Federation-friendly countries on Lysara has offered to buy your space-based Starbase and tow it to a neutral area of space (if it's not already in one), and have already purchased the Tekanan fleet you recommended in the previous question.
They would like to use the base as a commercial hub and a base for exploration, much like you did. Would you advise Starfleet to sell the base, and why?
Yes. First, trade is good, and we should support it. Second, we need all the goodwill on Lysara we can get.
ii) It's time to move on. Starfleet has decided to send you on to Sector Beta, and to replace you with a fresh Admiral to continue your work. As your last duty in this sector, you are to brief the new guy about what you've done. Read over your responses to all the previous questions. Define what Starfleet's priorities should be in this sector, and your recommendations to your replacement as to what he should concentrate on. Also recommend a reasonable set of additional ships to complement your remaining fleet to that end.
The first priority, at this point, is to find a place to resettle the Lysaran refugees on the northern L-class somewhere permanent - Tekanan III should do, now that they don't have to worry about retribution. Next is to improve diplomatic relations with Lysara and the new Katsu regime, hopefully to the point that they decide to apply for Federation membership. After that, stamp out what's left of the local pirate guilds.
iii) Choose one of the starships in your fleet. It will be used to take you to Sector Beta, and will be incorporated into your fleet there.
Epiphany.
Critiques! (Picking on MinutiaeMan, because he's put his responses in a conveniently easy-to-reach place.)
Question One - A Galaxy, -and- a Nebula? That's some heavy metal for a frontier sector.
Scenario Responses! (Not quite ditto, but thanks anywho)
The Kestu fleet begins stopping some of the Tekanan and Lysaran ships as they enter Kestu space. The Kestu insist that it's just a formality for improved planetary security, and the Kestu inspectors aren't pushy, violent, or especially troublesome. However, the Tekanan government takes exception to the boarding and searching of their ships, and asks Starfleet for some assistance in this matter.
Hm. Is this -only- vs. Tekanan ships? If so, then the Kestu have definitely earned themselves at least the diplomatic equivalent of a glare and indignant "A-HEM". On the other hand, they have the right to set their own customs procedures, and as long as they're evenhanded about it there's really no basis for the Fed to do more than make indignant noises - in which case all that's to be done is try and smooth things over on the Tekanan side.
The redistribution of naval forces in the sector has left the trade routes all but unprotected. Despite the increased tension, races like the Lysaraian still maintain a good deal of trade to support their economy. That trade is now being threatened like never before. The Lysaraian Monarch is faced with the tough choice of either guarding the nebula-facing region, or the trade routes. He chooses the nebula. As a result, the powerful trade guilds of Lysara began actively challanging the Monarch. Civil unrest ensues, and there is much division inside the Monarch's court. All in all, the government of Lysara effectly grinds to a halt. Fearful of negative opinion from the Federation and the reprecussion from the trade guilds of using force to quell the unrest, the Monarch has asked for your help.
Thank the Monarch for his attention to the security of the entire sector w/regards to the nebula and his assistance in supporting Quasar's operations. Assure him that Starfleet will do its utmost to provide security and support for Lysaran trade. Do all of the above in such a way that the trade guilds will overhear.
Thus, I butter up the Monarch, support his position, and sooth the guilds all at once - hopefully.
My Scenarios! (Diseased Mind Productions, Unlimited)
D) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (C). Any reasonable military, political or scientific scenario is acceptable. However, DO NOT ANSWER the scenario yourself. Rather, it will be answered by the others as part of Question Three.
A Ferengi ship arrives in orbit around the L class world to the north, claiming to have purchased mining rights. The Kestu choose to support their claim.
posted
Nice to see someone else getting into this!
I might as well respond to the questions you posed, and the critiques:
quote:Question One - A Galaxy, -and- a Nebula? That's some heavy metal for a frontier sector.
Well, I specifically said that part of the mission was going to be to explore the Uncharted Territories beyond the northern border. Given that there were potentially hostile forces operating in the region, I wouldn't have sent any lesser ship in to look around. Also, I've always thought that Nebulas are a bit "cheaper" than the Galaxies in terms of resources, and therefore are a bit more numerous even though they're almost comparable in terms of size.
quote:Hm. Is this -only- vs. Tekanan ships?
No, it was my intention that the Kestu were stopping ALL of the ships coming into the system, but the Tekanans were raising more of a fuss about it. Should've made that more clear.
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
Registered: Nov 2000
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Valles
Ex-Member
posted
quote:Question One - A Galaxy, -and- a Nebula? That's some heavy metal for a frontier sector.
Well, I specifically said that part of the mission was going to be to explore the Uncharted Territories beyond the northern border. Given that there were potentially hostile forces operating in the region, I wouldn't have sent any lesser ship in to look around. Also, I've always thought that Nebulas are a bit "cheaper" than the Galaxies in terms of resources, and therefore are a bit more numerous even though they're almost comparable in terms of size. [/QB][/QUOTE]
Ah, so, one ship for the sector itself and the other sort of 'based out of'? Makes sense.
quote:Well, let's start with a few assumptions. I've constructed a series of simple maps, each detailing a single sector of space. The first one is "Sector Alpha", and is found here:
posted
Gee, you think that might be because you restarted a thread that hasn't been updated in seven years?
Geez, first you bitch about wanting compensation from Flare, and now this. Welcome to the forum, pal.
-------------------- "A film made in 2008 isn't going to look like a TV series from 1966 if it wants to make any money. As long as the characters act the same way, and the spirit of the story remains the same then it's "real" Star Trek. Everything else is window dressing." -StCoop
Registered: Jun 2000
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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
Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged
The accusations of sabotage I'd promise to help investigate, but I'd also be very "diplomatic" about it, so my failure to go aggressively into it would look like "courtesy" and "unwillingness to meddle unduly" to the Kestu.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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