***

QUESTION FOUR (three parts)

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

And so ends the series on Sector Alpha. Sector Beta is up next!

1.a. I would request a Nebula, a hospital ship, and a freighter full of supplies for my ships.

b. I lose a New Orleans. I'd point out that my ship was escorting a Tekanan transport and that if the Ketsu really want to force the issue we can discuss the murder of the crew of the New Orleans, the Tekanan transport, all while I'm blockading their goddamn starsystem (since they have no fleet no more ). Enough carroting around with the Ketsu, time for some rods.

c. I'd bring those transports to my starbase, which is located between the three races (closer to Lysara and Tekanan) where I can provide protection and aid if necessary. Then I'd point out to the Tekanan how their shiney new fleet wouldn't be around if Federation hadn't helped them, and that a requirement for Federation membership is willingness to aid those in need. Then I'd point out that the Ketsu fleet is no more, which makes their fear rather unsubstantiated. Makes me think that someone "up there" is making continuity errors. But then Starfleet officers are all devote atheists.

d. Besides providing aid, I'm going to dig a little deeper into those anti-matter weapons (though anyone can make anti-matter weapons, poor choice of plot device). Something tells me some secret part of the Federation was messing with MY sector.

2. Then why was there weapon fire from/at the probe during a previous question?

a. I would tell everyone at the sametime, assuming that I don't view the common fear for this mysterious race as a factor in stablizing the sector. If I do, I would hold back the information for the time being, on the grounds that I need to study the probe more carefully.

b. Limited exploration by well-equiped survey floatillas. Since there is a plague involved, I do not want to send one tiny ship to explore the area. Only one ship in the floatilla would actually send anyone down, if deemed necessarily, while the other ships remain in full isolation from any potential source of infection. The primary mission is to determine if this plague is a threat to any known species, and a cure if it is. The larger than usual number of ships are also because I'm worried about automated Saalit defenses that might still be active. Once all threats are known and dealt with, a more comprehensive and bigger exploration effort will start. Once the Saalit homeworld is explored, a Federation wide day of mourning will be held for this bygone race. Even if they were once conquerors, death is still the great equalizer.

3.a. "And the name of the place is... Babylon 5." I don't think I want to sell the station, it could very well be used as a base of operation for Lysaran aggression towards the weakened Ketsu. Rather, I'd keep it for as my intended base of exploration for Saalit space.

b. "Keep between the Ketsu and Lysara, they're like kids who don't get along, but don't over do it. Let them solve their differences themselves once in a while, as long as it's done peacefully. Make sure you raise them into responsible adults. The Saalit apparently span a vast area of space, and exploration of that is a top priority. Just to the plan I already have laid out. I leave you with 3 Excelsiors, 1 New Orlean, 4 Runabouts, and my best wishes. You probably should request some larger vessels. Besides their exploration and combat abilities, medical facilities such as those onboard Galaxy class ships are in dire need on Ketsu. Anyhoo, it's your show now."

Dave: You forget that the Kestu still have roughly half their fleet still around. They only lost the ships they sent to Lysara. As for the probe, there was only mention that their *could* have been possible weapons signatures there.

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?

Well, transports are transports. No classes have ever been described. For the combat vessel, I'd want something pretty frelling impressive. Defiant, I'd have to say, fully equipped with ablative armor. It'd be designated to help back up the flagship Excelsior. The transports would be part of that group, standing by to evacuate any survivors or transport food and medical supplies to Lysara.

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.

Hmm... well, there goes one of my Intrepids. The Defiant should be able to take up that slack. My immediate response to the Kestu is that my ship defended an unarmed, uninvolved transport. I will further say that I don't frelling care about sides any more. My people and uninvolved bystanders have been killed, and this war will stop. NOW. Otherwise, I will come down on both sides with the full force of the Federation behind me. Next, I will pray that he doesn't call my bluff.

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.

I'd assign both of my Nebulas to escort the transports, patroling their path. I'd the Nova to orbit the class-L world, in the event that the aliens showed up.

So I now have the Nova in orbit of the L-class world; the Excelsior, two Intrepids, three transports, and a Defiant at Lysara; and both Nebulas patroling the route taken by the evac ships.

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.

WHO THE FRELL GAVE EITHER SIDE FEDERATION WEAPONRY!?

OK, now that that's been said...

First off, I'd officially recommend that we recognize the new Kestu government. I would also ask if there are any missing federation weapons that could have wound up on the black market, 'cause these things sure didn't come from my arsenal.

I'd then do whatever I could to assist in both worlds' stabilization. One transport would be diverted to Kestu, with one Intrepid and the Defiant escorting it. The other two would remain at Lysara, under the protection of the Excelsior and the other Intrepid, because Lysara would have taken far more damage in the fighting. I would request Tekanan assistance in the relief efforts.

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.

Starfleet first, certainly. I will, of course, follow orders in whatever follows, but my recommendation would be to invite scientists from all three races in the sector to analyze the probe at my base. They will be told of my findings simultaneously.

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?

MY remaining resources? Surely you're not suggesting that I use my paltry fleet to explore 20 friggin' sectors, AND maintain order in this one?

Well, assuming that its study programs were completed, I could certainly spare my Nova, and maybe an Nebula and an Intrepid. The remaining five ships should be enough to handle the quieter sector. However, to explore 20 sectors, at least one Galaxy-class would be necessary, probably in addition to two more Novas and at least one more Nebula and Intrepid.

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?

I would not recommend selling the base. I would instead place it under joint administration, among the Federation, Kestu, and Lysaran representatives. It would still serve the purposes of commerce and exploration, but be seen as a unifying force in the sector. (Think Babylon 5, here. )

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.

Well, it's gotten pretty quiet now. Tekana is now officially part of the Federation, so no worries there. Kestu is democratic now, and the government is reasonably happy with us. All I see you needing to do is maintain order. Defend the shipping lanes from piracy. This will become slightly more complicated, due to the presence of what is effectively a Lysaran colony on the L-class world, but I'm sure you can handle it. Aside from that, all you really need to do is help with the rebuilding of Kestu and the stabilization of Lysara. They're both potential alies now. The station, if placed under joint control, could also be a unifying force in the area. I recommend that you maintain your flag there, instead of on the Tekanan base. If any question arises about the status of the Lysarans on the class-L world (which they really should name...), I would suggest joint colonization efforts, if possible, and placing that colony under the protection of the joint base forces. Emphasize the unity of the sector.

Oh, yes, and if you have the free time, find out who exactly it was that got their hands on multiple Starfleet antimatter warheads and used them to blow up those Kestu cities. I'd love to know how that was pulled off, as would many others, I'm sure. Especially if they have more.

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.

Well, I don't want to screw over my successor...

Oh, wait. Yes I do.

I'm taking the Defiant. Excelsiors are a dime a dozen, but that Defiant is something special. I may need the firepower in Beta, and it doesn't look all that useful here.

Been fun, y'all.

*salute*

[ November 05, 2001: Message edited by: Omega ]

1 a) I'll get a big command ship now that I can. After all, Starfleet promised me one once. An Ambassador... No, make that an early Niagara, just for fun. (I still play the early 24th century game) And two transports with all those medical facilities and other goodies my already available unit has. All my transports are now shipping goods from Tekanan to Lysara, in help of the factions in need. My Mirandas hover over the region, too, while by biggest ships now gravitate towards the Kestu space. The Constellation provides early warning between Lysara and Kestu.

b) The Kestu were already once suspected of piracy (did that happen?). I use all my political leverage on that to shut these people up and make them look bad. My Niagara and Excelsiors now openly move to Kestu space to "investigate" the incident where my ship (a Miranda) was lost. The Constellation, the tender and two Mirandas go there, too, while one Miranda plus the transports try to help Lysara.

c) I ask the Tekanans to lend their ships for use against the Kestu - that'll keep them from using them to provoke the aliens. While I talk the Tekanans into providing direct refuge to the people, I also help the Lysarans to move to that class L planet. My free Miranda goes there to make sure I get the dibs for any contact with the aliens.

d) With the implication of Starfleet involvement, the Kestu crisis becomes a personal business. I assign two of the Excelsiors to long-term duty above Kestu and use their resources to find out how the bombs got there. I also start distributing Tekanan resources to help the Kestu. Their other alternative is to directly receive both Lysaran and Kestu refugees. My Mirandas go back to shipping protection, and my Constellation to the alien border.

2 a) If I promised to share the data with the Lysarans who helped me get it, I'll do so. Otherwise, it will go through Starfleet channels. Once it returns from its little Earth circuit, I'll be long gone.

b) I recommend an initial recce mission by two large independently operating starships, with a second wave prepared using the Sector Alpha starbase as the staging post. This second wave will include smaller, more "dependent" vessels and the construction of a supply infrastructure. I promote Tekanan involvement in the project, as well as the permission to start settling the class L planet at once for local needs.

3 a) I would let the Lysarans buy the base, but I would set initial conditions for the base to act in support of the Starfleet push to Saalit space. That would give SF some control over how the station is run early on. I also want Starfleet to set monitoring outposts close to the (former) Saalit border - these will compensate for the loss of the starbase.

b) For now, rebuilding is the priority, and PD concerns should no longer arise. I recommend continuing the use of Mirandas for shipping protection and the applying of Starfleet transports for humanitarian help. I further recommend that the Excelsiors be kept above Kestu and the story of the SF bombs be investigated. Finally, a proper starport should now be built on Kestu as well, to provide a balance of trade - the new government there should be brought closer to the UFP by this project.

As for the arsenal, I recommend that small local-defence ships be added in great numbers for shipping control. Also, I'd like the Tekanans to build more ships (Excelsiors, mainly) for local use if the bastards really sold their initial batch to the Lysarans...

c) Again, I'd prefer to start with a lone explorer doing the initial recce and then setting shop. So I sail off in my new Niagara.

Mark

[ November 16, 2001: Message edited by: Mark Nguyen ]

1a) Two more Sonoma-class transports, USS Tien Shan (NCC-5318) & USS Berkshire (NCC-4908), & one Niagara-class cruiser, USS Great Wall (NCC-35019).

1b) So much for Lagos.

1c) 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.

Um...OK. Good to know. This is a statement, not a situation. If it WERE, I'd keep an ye on them & send a Peashooter sniffing around the border so I wasn't caught with my britches down.

1d) 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.

And so is this. Again, let them alone & see my remarks to New Guy.

2a) In order:
Starfleet Operations
Starfleet Intelligence
Office of Exploration
(eventually) "New Guy"

2b) Discreet exploration & lurking by no less than 3 vessels, of the "light explorer" type, probably nothing greater than an Intrepid.

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.

3a) Yes, with provisos. Having a non-military site could prove beneficial, especially when those "less than ethical" measures are requried. I would also recommend help from the Ferengi Alliance in attracting viable merchants.

3b) "The Kestu were an especially tricky people. I've no doubt they'll try to rise again. But the Lysarans will want revenge as well; treat them both as you would fighting siblings. The Tekanni...well, they may be new entries, but I'm still hinky about them. If anything smells of the faintest whiff of weird, investigate; it'll do you good. As forthe Saalit exploration, keep a good eye on that as weell. No telling what we'll find around there, & about whom."

Recommended vessel updates: lots of patrol vessels, mainly frigates (New Orleans & Bastilles), scouts (Freedoms) & destroyers (Junos & Minervas)

1A – Priorities (in no particular order)

(i) Send an investigation team to check out the big nebula in grid 5,1 (my own system having split the map into one-day grids). This would be to ensure that there is nothing evil hidden there which could attack any ships or planet.

(ii) Explore the Class-L planet without initiating hostile retaliation from the reclusive alien race.

(iii) Provide aid to Tekanan III and prepare them for entry into the Federation

(iv) Possibly assist with the trade that is currently present in the sector by providing additional ships that could act as defenders as well as transporters.

(v) Patrol the boarder to ensure no attack comes from the reclusive aliens and if it does, intercept it as best my forces can.

(vi) Engage in diplomatic missions to both Lysara and Kestu IX to ensure their continued support to Starfleet’s presence in the sector as well as improve relations with the long-term goal of getting them to become members. An extension of this would be to ensure that all three planets behave themselves and improve relations with each other as the trade between them has already started to.

(vii) Attempt to contact the reclusive race in a peaceful manner – but after all defences are in place. I definitely don’t want them to double-cross me when my pants are wrapped around my ankles – no thank you very much!

1B – Starbase location

Tekanan III is not yet a member world so placing the starbase in orbit of that planet would be premature. Lysara appears to be in favour of the Federation and so placing the starbase in orbit of Tekanan III might miff them off a bit. Kestu IX is neutral, but that doesn’t mean that they might one day align themselves with the Federation. Therefore I’d place the starbase in a position at an equal distance between the three planets in my 3,3 grid.

1C – Starship deployment

Non-combatants: I’d probably go for two Intrepid-class vessels as they are capable of exploration and can also serve a military role if needed. One would check out the nebula while the other would check the Class-L planet. Once the nebula has been checked that Intrepid will assist the one at the planet. Upon completion of the planetary survey, I’d move the Intrepids to boarder patrol duty.

Knowing from Sector Beta that my command ship is an Excelsior-II-class vessel, this will obviously be my command ship. I’ll locate it in grid 2,3 above the starbase and closer to Kestu IX as it has the largest military fleet and I’d like to be close to a trouble spot so that I can see any situation quickly and first-hand.

I’ll assume that there are three trade routes – two from each planet. Therefore I’ll want to ensure that they are all protected. For this I think that I shall use three Akira-class vessels – one for each route. These ships carry heavy weaponry and can also accommodate utility craft that could be used to assist in the recovery efforts of Tekanan III. This capacity could also be used for carrying three squadrons (36 craft in all) of attack fighters which would be used to defend any convoy that is attacked. Their primary goal therefore is convoy defence and their secondary is to provide support to any of the inhabited planets should they need it. That support could take any form.

The remaining four ships I’d like to be multi-role capable. This would mean that they would either be Nebula-, Niagara-, Excelsior-, New Orleans-, Miranda- or Constellation-class. Niagaras have been classed as fast cruisers – ideal for defence and intercepting incursions; Nebulas are smaller versions of Galaxys and therefore are suited for almost anything such as cargo transportation, defence or personnel transport; Excelsiors can likewise be used in a similar fashion as the Nebulas. New Orleans would make excellent interceptors and would be ideal for making the inhabitants of Kestu IX think twice before attacking anyone; Mirandas would be good as patrol or cargo ships; Constellations would be useful for defence and boarder patrols.

I chose to criticise all answers.
Everybody’s answer appears to be OK. The only problem I have is the merchant fleet issue. How can every convoy be defended at once? A fine balance needs to be made but with the boarder being patrolled as well I don’t think it can be covered very well. However if the Akira’s in my plan were to come with some runabout and the starbase was equipped with some that might help a bit. So too would the attack fighters – they could extend the patrol range of the Akiras. Mmm, some more thought is needed me thinks.

2B – Loose two largest/best equipped ships from fleet.

This is a toughie. Largest (determined by length) would be Excelsiors. Best equipped – I’d say Nebula. Or it could be Akiras with their fighters/runabouts. Which ones do I loose? I’ll go for two Nebulas. As a result of this loss I’d assign the two Excelsiors on primary diplomatic duty with secondary duties of defence.

2C – Possible scenarios

(i) Pirate Attacks
Well since I still have my Akira’s this should be no problem. Having each ship fitted with three squadrons of attack fighters they’d make pretty good “hunt and destroy” groups. I could always pull some runabouts from the starbase to assist in the interception/hunting missions as well as pull the two extra Excelsiors from their diplomatic duties (leaving the teams on the planets). I could also use my command ship as well.

(ii) The nearest ships would be my command ship – the USS Courageous, NCC-62579 and one or both of the Intrepids that would now be on boarder patrol. If the planetary survey is not finished then the other ship would be the Excelsior on diplomatic duties at Kestu IX. I’d move my command ship to investigate with the other Excelsior also as support. I’d also put all ships within the sector on yellow alert and have the nearest Akiras move closer to the boarder (the ones on the Kestu IX/Tekanan trade route and the Kestu/Lysar route).

(iii) I would take my command ship to Tekanan III and respond personally that a ship has been sent to investigate. This ship would be one of the Akiras – whichever is closest (probably the one on the Kestu/Lysara route). I’d move a second Akira (Tekanan/Lysara route) and the Excelsior on diplomatic duty at Lysara into a support position which does not hinder convoy defence. Should the convoys look threatened at this time I’d pull one of the two Intrepids over to investigate while pulling the other back onto my side of the boarder to ensure it is not considered to be trespassing.

2D – My own scenario!

David Templar’s scenario
Civil unrest – an internal affair I’m afraid. However I can still play a part in it. I’d move both of my Intrepids to the nebula to serve as reassurance that there are no hostile forces there. I’d also pull my command ship over to protect the convoys. If there are hostiles in the nebula then the addition of three ships should help reduce the Lysarans fears. If there are no hostiles then I’d present the evidence to the monarch as Timo also suggests so that he can re-deploy his forces without looking a fool and while making it look as though the trade guilds have managed to persuade the monarch to change. The monarch will owe me a favour, which I might cash in sometime soon.

Omega’s scenario
I’d pull the Excelsior on diplomatic duty at Kestu to help hunt for the rogue ship with an Akira and my command ship. I’d want to capture the ship and its crew so that they could be interrogated and sentenced. If that were the case then I’d ask for the trial to take place on Tekanan III – neutral to the conflict. Both parties could voice their story and (with Starfleet’s assistance) the Tekanan’s would pass sentence. If the rogue ship gives my forces no choice but to destroy it – fine. It removes a rogue ship and makes the Lysaran’s happy and also removes a warship from the Kestu fleet – making them that bit weaker.

3B – Assassination and military manoeuvres

(i) I’m assuming that the trade from Lysara would stop and therefore free two of my Akira’s. I’d move one of them to support my other Akira to help defend the last remaining convoy, which would undoubtedly come under greater pirate attack. The Excelsior would remain in orbit of Lysara to attempt to maintain some order and stand-by should any evacuation be required. My command ship would move “south” of the starbase to grid 4,3 ready to offer additional help. One of the Akiras would join the Excelsior as support.

Upon the arrival of the Kestu ships I’d have my command ship move in too and pull another Akira in also. I’d recall my Intrepids from their mission to be closer to my starbase and any other possible Kestu forces that are lurking.

(ii) First off I’d investigate the assassination to see if there is any external involvement or whether it is simply a revolution. I am however bound by the prime directive. I’d try and prevent or at least slow the Kestu involvement by offering assistance. As I have superior technology and resources, they’d be inclined to take it. I’d do my best to bend the rules in order to prevent weapons being transferred down. If that can’t be done then I’d supply weapons to areas that don’t to “restore the balance”. (Kirk did that once didn’t he?) I’d request additional starship support for the area – Nebulas, New Orleans’, more Akiras and Excelsiors as I’d like to keep Tekanan III safe while still being able to protect the remaining convoy. I’d also ask for one or two medical ships to help any wounded on the planet as well as ask for some troops.

(iii) With only an Excelsior present, I’d be hard-pressed to defend myself. I’d call in the two closest Akiras as well as my command ship. I’d also call in my Excelsior at Kestu IX and my two Intrepids to defend my starbase and Tekanan with them in a position to reinforce my ships at Lysara quickly if need be.

3C – Tekanan fleet upgrade