A) Evaluate the sector, and determine what Starfleet’s priorities should be. Note that unlike previous sectors, you’re coming into an area where Starfleet has had a small but significant presence for some time. Now that the Federation has a member world in the sector, how should Starfleet’s priorities change? Summarize your thoughts, note any gaps in the information that you were provided, and where you should focus your intelligence-gathering efforts.
With a new member world in this area, it's time to show the flag and establish a larger presence.
Starfleets priorites include:
-providing a smooth transition for Jovalis into the Federation -protecting Jovalis and strengthening Federation forces in the area -maintaining the relative peacefulness of the sector
Additional reports are needed about the possible threat of the Cardassians and just how "calm" the locals are now with the Zechs situation.
B) Starfleet will allow either a DS9-style upgrade to the DS12 station, making it into a full starbase within a year’s time; or to begin construction on a larger starbase of Starfleet design, which will take at least three years to build using a combination of components shipped in or built on-site. Given that this will be your headquarters for the foreseeable future, what would be the best option?
Since everyone seems to be going with the upgrading option, I'll try to see if Starfleet will let me slide one past them: I'll upgrade DS12 but ask that a small outpost be built, probably around Lucrezea to monitor the border.
C) Starfleet sees this as a relatively stable sector, and while they want an expanded presence in the area they will not commit many ships to the sector.
1) Recommend a fleet of no more than SIX starships to be assigned to the sector.
Ah, let's see what's in the area...
1 Akira class heavy cruiser 1 Steamrunner class heavy cruiser 1 Excelsior class explorer 2 Intrepid class cruiser 1 Nova class scout
2) Until your fleet arrives, the only ships that will be assigned to the sector are the USS Rigorous and the ship you arrived in from Sector Beta (if you didn’t participate in that scenario, you’re arriving on a generic Excelsior-class starship). At your discretion, the ship you arrived on can be incorporated into your fleet. Where will you deploy your two ships until then? What will the deployment of your fleet be when they get here?
My generic Excelsior, the USS Fredrickson, NCC-42111, stays at DS12. The Rigorous will take out to Lucrezea to visit the locals and then begin touring the neighborhood until the fleet arrives.
Once the fleet arrives, the Intrepids will begin scouting the area while the rest of the fleet begin patrol around Jovalis and Lucrezea. The Nova will be spending some quality time with the nebulae in the area.
D) The USS Rigorous will not be a part of your fleet, as she is scheduled to be decommissioned after a long and eventful life; Captain Nall herself is retiring from the Fleet. However, her command crew need not be sent away as well. The Rigorous’ command crew is a good team.
To keep it simple, they're on leave and will be reassigned once the fleet gets here.
The Rigorous is to be decommissioned, but a group of Jovalisi citizens wishes to keep her around as a museum ship for their nation. Another group from Lucrezea also wants her, but as the flagship for a new militia they are creating. Recommend to Starfleet what they should do with the requests, and if any conditions should be specified to either party.
The Rigorous should definitely be a museum. No need to make the Cardassians and other locals too paranoid. I recommend she be sent to a larger yard to have her core components removed before we hand her over, however. In fact, she'll be "loaned" to Jovalis, but if we ever want her back...
A) Evaluate the sector, and determine what Starfleet�s priorities should be. Note that unlike previous sectors, you�re coming into an area where Starfleet has had a small but significant presence for some time. Now that the Federation has a member world in the sector, how should Starfleet�s priorities change? Summarize your thoughts, note any gaps in the information that you were provided, and where you should focus your intelligence-gathering efforts.
The major threat in this sector is of course the Cardassian regime on Bifour IV. The arrival of Starfleet in this Sector could cause some unrest on our former colony Zechs, so I would be careful not to upset the balance too much, especially considering Lucrezea's proximity to Bifour. Starfleet's priorities, in rough order of importance: * Protect the Federation assets on Jovalis. * Improve relations with Joval, through trade with Jovalis. * Keep G'Sell isolated from outside influences. * Keep a close eye on the Purple nebula * Gathering intelligence on Bifour and Zechs. Are they up to anything? What kind of hardware does Zechs have? * If possible, surveying the Pink nebula and the Class-N world
B) Though Jovalis has benefited from Federation trade for several years now, their new membership will allow for a full-scale upping of their society to the latest technologies. One of the greatest tasks is the upgrading of almost one hundred of their old rotating colony cylinders with artifical gravity, upgraded power systems, and so forth, which are antiquated despite their otherwise current technology level. Starfleet can only allocate so many resources to this far-off sector, and much of it is going to this task, which will absorb hundreds of Starfleet personnel for several years. With what�s left, Starfleet will allow either a DS9-style upgrade to the DS12 station, making it into a full starbase within a year�s time; or to begin construction on a larger starbase of Starfleet design, which will take at least three years to build using a combination of components shipped in or built on-site. Given that this will be your headquarters for the foreseeable future, what would be the best option? A Starfleet starbase can be built anywhere in the sector you choose.
I think a major upgrade to the existing DS12 is the best way to go. Resources are badly needed throughout the Federation to support the various post-war rebuilding programs. Furthermore, keeping the Jovalisi station will maintain the local people's sense of identity. The colonies have an historic importance. A new Starbase could give the people the feeling they are being 'assimilated' by the Federation, and this could in turn be a bad influence on Joval.
C) Starfleet sees this as a relatively stable sector, and while they want an expanded presence in the area they will not commit many ships to the sector. There will be a steady stream of Federation freighters coming into the sector for the Colony Upgrade Project, in addition to the expected influx of Federation trade.
1) Recommend a fleet of no more than SIX starships to be assigned to the sector. This fleet will be evaluated back at Starfleet Command, and if approved will arrive in-system AFTER the events of Question Two. However:
- There cannot be any large (Galaxy, Ambassador, Sovereign, etc.) starships in your fleet. - There must be at least one non-combat ship in the fleet (science, transport, etc.). Justify its presence and use.
My task force: - U.S.S. Adamant NCC-45930 (Excelsior class). My ship. - U.S.S. Ascendant NCC-71052 (Andromeda class, Rosankya subclass). Comparable to the Intrepid class, this ship is a fast explorer. - U.S.S. Quaoar NCC-60815 (Springfield class with ventral sensor pod). Main recon ship for my fleet. - U.S.S. Thermopolis NCC-73002 (Sequoia class). A general-purpose fast medium cruiser. - U.S.S. Cody NCC-74109 (Sequoia Class). Another general-purpose fast medium cruiser. - U.S.S. Carter NCC-72106 (Nova Class). A fully equipped science workhorse. It can support the science teams on G'Sell, and do limited recon on the Purple Nebula.
2) Until your fleet arrives, the only ships that will be assigned to the sector are the USS Rigorous and the ship you arrived in from Sector Beta (if you didn�t participate in that scenario, you�re arriving on a generic Excelsior-class starship). At your discretion, the ship you arrived on can be incorporated into your fleet. Where will you deploy your two ships until then? What will the deployment of your fleet be when they get here?
The Rigorous will stay near Jovalis. This will be good for 'introducing' the new Starfleet forces in the region. Besides, the aged Constellation is not up to specs anymore. I will leave my ship to my XO and introduce myself to the Jovalisi on DS12. The Adamant will then patrol between the Purple Nebula and the border halfway between the Pink Nebula and Zechs.
As the rest of the fleet arrives, The Carter will participate in the G'Sell research, and will keep a close eye on keeping the planet isolated. The Ascendant will patrol around Lucrezea. The Thermopolis will assist the Adamant, and patrol in the vicinity of Zechs. The Quaoar will be assigned to the northwestern region of the sector, near the Class N planet and the nebula. The Cody will stay near the Joval system.
D) The USS Rigorous will not be a part of your fleet, as she is scheduled to be decommissioned after a long and eventful life; Captain Nall herself is retiring from the Fleet. However, her command crew need not be sent away as well. The Rigorous� command crew is a good team, and includes:
First Officer � Commander Michael Boston (Human, 12 Years of Service) � Excellent Service Record. Experienced Diplomat.
Tactical � Lt. Laura Kardon (Human, 6 Years of Service) � Good Service Record. Native of Zechs. Little Combat experience.
Science � Lt. Commander Shezef (Andorian Male, 15 Years of Service) Excellent Service Record. Expert on the Pink & Purple Nebulae.
Medical � Commander Taris Tani (Bajoran Female, 20 Years of Service) � Fair Service Record. Married to a Jovalisi diplomat on DS12.
Engineering � Lt. Commander Bayl (Betazoid Male, 8 Years of Service) � Good Service Record.
Helm � Lt. (j.g.) Walter Shumar (Human, 40 years of Service) � Excellent Service Record. Legendary pilot. Has convinced all but one of his commanding officers never to promote him.
DS12�s CO is Commander Stalek (Vulcan, 20 Years of Service) � Good service record. Known to the Jovalisi, though not terribly popular.
1) As the new Admiral in the sector, you have the option of assigning this crew to your command. Do you want to keep them around, and what would you do with them? Justify your reply.
Cmdr. Boston will go to DS12 and replace Stalek as CO. As a diplomat, he may be useful in relationship-building with Joval, and if needed, talking to Bifour.
Lt. Kardon will be assigned to the Ascendant as Chief Tactical. Her experience with Zechs might be of use there.
Lt. Cmdr. Shezef will go to the Quaoar as Chief Science Officer. Since the Quaoar will be doing recon in both Nebulas, he's the man for the job.
Cmdr. Tani will become CMO on DS12.
Lt. Cmdr. Bayl. As an experienced engineer, he will be the CEO of DS12.
Keeping some familiar faces in the sector will improve the relations with Jovalis.
Lt. Shumar will be transferred to the Thermopolis. If we ever need to get into the Nebula, we'd better have good pilot.
I have no need for Stalek. Thankfully, Vulcans don't have emotions, so he can't be upset when I tell him to leave my sector
2) The Rigorous is to be decommissioned, but a group of Jovalisi citizens wishes to keep her around as a museum ship for their nation. Another group from Lucrezea also wants her, but as the flagship for a new militia they are creating. While the ship will be stripped of any sensitive technology in either case, the selling off of such an old starship to friendly concerns would not be unheard of. Recommend to Starfleet what they should do with the requests, and if any conditions should be specified to either party.
I do not approve of a new Lucrezea militia (although it's probably wise not to say that in their faces, not now anyway). Therefore, I will advise Starfleet to donate the Rigorous to the Museum, under the conditions that it will be demobilized. I don't want the Lucrezeans to steal it.
Phew... took quite some time.. but I think this is it.
Additional background: For those wondering about the Jovali ships and why they’re advanced compared to their apparent level of technology, assume that they are older-tech (but not old) ships that were retrofitted during the Dominion War with modern weapons and shields. That technology was purchased or traded for, mostly from non-Federation sources (including the Ferengi). While they have the firepower of their mentioned counterparts, they do not have the speed or range. However, they are really big, and require crews in the thousands.
Also, Starfleet has accepted your recomendations for fleet composition and deployment. The fleet's on its way and will get here in time for the next question. Unfortunately, any manned station outside of the Jovalis zone if you'd ordered the upgrading of DS12 cannot be done. BTW, while Deep Space 12 should technically be relabelled Starbase 592, everyone continues to call it DS12 for sentimental reasons.
A) Captain Nall has spent longer as a starship captain than you likely have in your whole career. Over a mug of Raktajino, the two of you amicably debate the differences between the responsibilities of a Captain and an Admiral in Starfleet. One of the key differences is of course the emphasis in tactical or strategic planning, as the case may be. Nall challenges you to flex your smaller-picture mind by asking how you would defend DS12 and an attack on Jovalis. Typically this sort of plan would be for the DS12 CO, but she’d like to see what your thoughts are.
Presented thus is a map of the Jovalis Orbital Zone, with all major real estate marked accordingly. The Deyal and Piranti colony groups, and the Piranti construction area are all in LaGrange points around the first major Jovalisi moon (there are eleven more such moons of varying sizes and types, orbiting further out). The Cluster is a group of colonies that was established around a small, resource-rich moon, which has since been broken up and used to create those colonies. Given the resources at hand, determine your response to:
1. up to half of the Cardassian threat forces in the sector, 2. up to twenty smaller vessels as though from a Maquis attack, or 3. just for fun, a Borg sphere entering the system.
Assume that beyond your starship resources already there (your fleet has not yet arrived, and DS12 has not been upgraded), you have a number of shuttles and no more than a half-dozen runabout-sized craft, and a dozen or so lightly-armed Jovalisi freighters. Be sure to note what the objectives of the attacking force would nominally be, and thus how to best respond to that situation.
B) The following are several situations that occur on your watch. 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.
1. The first Federation delegation arrives in the sector to welcome its new member world. Several of the delegation wish to tour the sector to meet key parties on all the worlds, including a diplomatic mission to Bifour IV at the invitation of their government. Recommend how the delegates should go about their plan, which of your assets should be used, and how the rest of them should be deployed. The delegates arrive aboard the USS Ki, an Intrepid-class starship, and will return to the core systems on another ship. The Ki is on her way through Bifour space (with their permission) to explore the sectors beyond. 2. Miscalculating a warp equation, one of the Jovali cruisers creates a wormhole and drops itself right in the middle of the Pink Nebula, where it is disabled. The Jovali ask for help; however, Cardassian ships are closer and offer to respond. The Jovali aren’t terribly fond of the Cardassians. 3. The “duck blind” ground station is raided by pirates. They steal the station’s cloaking device, cloak suits (“Insurrection”), and bioneural computer system. The pirate ship escapes, integrating the cloak into their shields. The mission crew cleverly bumps their heads in the right places and are hiding among the population, but need help before they are found out.
C) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (B). 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.
Additional: Assume that your fleet has yet to arrive.
D) The USS Ki fails to check in on the far side of Bifour space. She sent a regular report through the DS12 comm network on schedule when she was more than halfway through their space, but they are more than a week late with their scheduled report. All the Bifour Cadassian ships are accounted for, and they report their last contact with the Ki a couple days after their last check-in. The Cardassians realize that you will want to send someone in to search for them and will let you do so; however whatever you send in will be escorted by one of their Hidekis who will aid in the search. Detail your plans, deployments, and search priorities.
[ October 15, 2002, 16:24: Message edited by: Mark Nguyen ]
posted
A side note that answers really shouldn't take more than an hour or two to think up, not including time to work up any graphics you may want to do. I realize that this one may exceed that limit somewhat, but in the future I'll try to keep them more succint. Of course, this does not mean that there are any right or wrong answers to these scenarios!
Mark
[ October 15, 2002, 14:46: Message edited by: Mark Nguyen ]
A1 Assumptions: The Rigorous is in its museum position, but its key systems have yet to be removed in favour of additional defence of the system. The weapon platforms are similar to those in B5 The aim of the Cardassians will be to achieve superiority and capture of DS12 or weaken/test our defences before a future operation.
I’d have the Rigorous stay with the 50 weapon platforms – should be a good enough defence against the Cardi’s. I’d position the Courageous in orbit of the gas giant along with the lightly-armed freighters. I’d have the shuttles move to defend The Cluster and the runabout-type ships stationed around DS12. The Courageous and the freighters will thus be in a central position to assist any of the three key locations. I’d stay clear of the debris field as it may cause sensor problems.
A2 Same configuration as before except that the freighters will be close to DS12 as the raiding force may very well want any cargo aboard them. I might consider moving the runabouts to the debris field to prevent them from taking any leftovers but my priority will be defending the other assets.
A3 A Borg Sphere? Rigorous & Courageous attack in full force while the smaller ships hang back. I might have one or more freighters/shuttles rigged as a warp torpedo. I’d use the freighter/shuttle by having it perform a warp suicide run at the sphere – thus destroying it.
B1 USS Courageous will escort the delegation to Bifour IV (I was planning to go near there anyway) and this trip will allow me to take a much closer look at their forces. I’d have the Rigorous move closer to the boarder, possibly taking up a position close to the purple nebula and have the runabouts remain in Joval/Javalis system.
B2 I’d accept the Cardassian’s offer but have the Rigorous move to assist also (thus allowing a friendly face to ease matters).
B3 A runabout from the Joval/Jovalis system should take about 2.5 days to get to G’Sall (assuming warp 9-capable). I’d have two of them move there to assist in the recovery of the team and any remaining equipment.
C Zechs hails you stating that they wish to join. The Cardassians are pissed and move a Galor and two Hideki’s to the planet, but the request still stands. The Cardassian forces begin landing ground troops into the capital on Zechs in an attempt to capture or kill the leading group. Zechs requests your assistance in defending their planet. What will you do? Which assets will you use? How will you deal with the Cardassians?
D The Courageous would obviously be in orbit around Bifour IV so I’d chose that ship to investigate the Ki-situation. I’d have the Rigorous and the rescued Jovali ship move to my side of the boarder and closer to the purple nebula. I’d have two runabouts move to Lucrezea to provide early warning of any attack on that planet. The ships on the boarder would keep an eye out for Cardassian or other aggression, and the Courageous would obviously be looking of the Ki and potential hostile forces or its crew in need of emergency assistance.
Mark – yep, about an hour or two to come up with. Not the best set of answers, but I enjoyed working on it!
-------------------- If you cant convince them, confuse them.
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
I was just about to leave for class when I found out the new question had been posted, so I printed it out and took it with me to work on! Fortunately, in my Logic class the professor spent the entire period going over the exam (the one that I got an 89% on), so I devoted my newfound logic skills towards the events in Sector Gamma.
QUESTION TWO (FOUR PARTS)
Additional background: For those wondering about the Jovali ships and why they�re advanced compared to their apparent level of technology, assume that they are older-tech (but not old) ships that were retrofitted during the Dominion War with modern weapons and shields. That technology was purchased or traded for, mostly from non-Federation sources (including the Ferengi). While they have the firepower of their mentioned counterparts, they do not have the speed or range. However, they are really big, and require crews in the thousands.
Also, Starfleet has accepted your recomendations for fleet composition and deployment. The fleet's on its way and will get here in time for the next question. Unfortunately, any manned station outside of the Jovalis zone if you'd ordered the upgrading of DS12 cannot be done. BTW, while Deep Space 12 should technically be relabelled Starbase 592, everyone continues to call it DS12 for sentimental reasons.
Excellent! I'm glad Mark's not short-changing us like he did in Sector Alpha. Heh, that made things interesting, though...
quote:Incoming Starships
USS Tahoe (Sequoia-class, NCC-70092)
USS Glacier (Sequoia-class, NCC-70185)
USS Eclipse (Andromeda-class, NCC-71407)
USS Tiamat (Saber-class, NCC-61926)
USS Beowulf (Defiant-class, NCC-76910
A) Captain Nall has spent longer as a starship captain than you likely have in your whole career. Over a mug of Raktajino, the two of you amicably debate the differences between the responsibilities of a Captain and an Admiral in Starfleet. One of the key differences is of course the emphasis in tactical or strategic planning, as the case may be. Nall challenges you to flex your smaller-picture mind by asking how you would defend DS12 and an attack on Jovalis. Typically this sort of plan would be for the DS12 CO, but she�d like to see what your thoughts are. Presented thus is a map of the Jovalis Orbital Zone, with all major real estate marked accordingly. The Deyal and Piranti colony groups, and the Piranti construction area are all in LaGrange points around the first major Jovalisi moon (there are eleven more such moons of varying sizes and types, orbiting further out). The Cluster is a group of colonies that was established around a small, resource-rich moon, which has since been broken up and used to create those colonies. Given the resources at hand, determine your response to:
1. up to half of the Cardassian threat forces in the sector, 2. up to twenty smaller vessels as though from a Maquis attack, or 3. just for fun, a Borg sphere entering the system.
Assume that beyond your starship resources already there (your fleet has not yet arrived, and DS12 has not been upgraded), you have a number of shuttles and no more than a half-dozen runabout-sized craft, and a dozen or so lightly-armed Jovalisi freighters. Be sure to note what the objectives of the attacking force would nominally be, and thus how to best respond to that situation.
Available Starships:
USS Cerberus (Akira-class, NCC-63709) and USS Rigorous (Constellation-class, NCC-2732)
6 Danube-class runabouts and 15 Type-9 shuttlecraft
(Side note: I do not subscribe to the theory that the Akira-class is an absurdly overgunned cruiser with 15 torpedo tubes. I view it as a normal cruiser equivalent in mission profile to a Nebula-class with firepower approximately equivalent to a Galaxy-class.)
Scenario One: Cardassian Assault on Joval System Threat Force: 2 Galor-class attack cruisers and 3 Hideki-class escort fighters
The Cerberus is currently patrolling out near Lucrezea and would be in position to intercept or even outrun any attack force en route from Bifour. The Cerberus is instructed to make harrying runs against the threat force in passing but not engage directly. They will then proceed to Jovalis and rendezvous with the remainder of the fleet there.
For this engagement, I will assume cooperation with the United Jovali Stellar Navy, as Starfleet has fought alongside them against the Cardassians in the past and the Bifour faction's threat towards the system is not defined exclusively towards Jovalis.
The Cerberus will assume point of the Starfleet task force with the Rigorous falling back as an escort for the Jovalisi freighters. Cerberus will engage the 2 Galor-class cruisers first and attempt to eliminate them or divert them in a limited frontal assault. Simultaneously, the Jovali heavy cruisers will strike the Cardassians' flank with their strong firepower and provide a diversion, and the Jovalisi freighters and light craft will engage the Hideki-class escorts.
Assuming that Cerberus does not eliminate both Galors by itself, the Jovali cruisers will then punch through and join the attack on the Cardassians' center. The Jovali frigates will either provide fire support for the cruisers or assist in the dispatch of the remaining Hidekis.
I am slightly concerned about the Jovali forces given their relatively limited technology, because their ships are slow and probably have some weak spots. But two cruisers with the equivalent of Type-XII phasers is nothing to sneer at.
Scenario Two: Raider Attack on Jovalis Settlements Threat Force: 20 light assault craft, all approximately equivalent to Federation Mercury-class couriers refitted to Maquis specifications (c.f. Starfleet Intelligence files, 2370-2373) [Note: These are ships like Chakotay's raider.]
I will not involve the Jovali forces in this engagement, because the assault is on Jovalis directly, and not the entire system like the previous scenario.
I'm quite certain that the Cerberus could take care of this "rag-tag fleet" on its own, but the raiders have the opportunity to disperse and conduct individual attacks. On the initial approach, therefore, the Cerberus and the Rigorous will advance at warp speed and deliver a concentrated assault before the enemy has time to disperse. Two Starfleet ships of the line (even if one is nearing 90 years old and is about to be decommissioned) are more than a match for a handful of pirates. However, the lighter Jovalisi freighters and our runabouts and shuttles will disperse to the three major settlements to provide local fire support should the pirates make it that far.
However, I anticipate that the raiders would have some specific objective in attacking Jovalis so openly, and therefore a dispersed chaos-creating attack is not likely their goal. In any event, the raiders pose very little real threat assuming that they can be kept away from a direct assault on any of the orbital habitats.
Scenario Three: Borg Sphere Threat Force: 1 Borg Sphere, approximately 400 meters diameter, probable scout vessel
I will again involve the Jovali defense forces in this engagement, because I'm quite sure that they have no interest in being assimilated.
Now, the year is currently 2379. Captain Kathryn Janeway and the USS Voyager returned from the Delta Quadrant about one year ago, bringing with them some astounding technology that will probably put Federation tactical capabilities three decades ahead of everyone else in the region. Preliminary scout missions into regions previously known to be controlled by the Borg have shown no indication of Borg activity; however, that does not prove that the destruction of Unimatrix One has eliminated the entire Collective.
Starfleet just recently approved standard specifications for both the transphasic torpedo and the regenerative hull armor systems for deployment on all starships. Unfortunately, the freighter that was carrying the ordinance and equipment for installation on the ships assigned to Sector Gamma, USS Grand Canyon, was attacked en route by a starship of apparent Federation origin which emerged from a temporal vortex. The starship beamed the torpedoes and armor generators away from the freighter. Before disappearing back into the vortex, the starship transmitted a brief and perplexing message: "Well, if A leads to B, and B leads to C..." Starfleet Intelligence is currently investigating the matter and attempting to determine any potential threats to Federation security.
Unfortunately, this strange incident means that I'm stuck with one reasonably modern starship, one out of date cruiser, six lumbering, ancient bricks with a few advanced weapons strapped on, and an assortment of useless shuttles and freighters.
I may have to resort to kamikaze attacks to destroy the sphere. (The probability that the Borg will break off from whatever objective they have set is nil.) If we have enough time, I'd commandeer some of the Jovalisi freighters, get their crews offloaded, and use them as flying bombs. Cerberus, Rigorous would engage in close-range support to cover the freighters' approach, while the Jovali ships will provide long-range fire support and only approach if their fire proves completely ineffective.
The previous scenario assumes that the sphere is on a low-priority scout mission and is not anticipating any encounter with hostile forces. If they're coming in with the intent to attack (i.e. a high-speed approach), then we're in deep doo-doo. If that's the case, then any mobile asset, including and especially Cerberus, is considered expendable in order to eliminate the threat.
B) The following are several situations that occur on your watch. 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.
1. The first Federation delegation arrives in the sector to welcome its new member world. Several of the delegation wish to tour the sector to meet key parties on all the worlds, including a diplomatic mission to Bifour IV at the invitation of their government. Recommend how the delegates should go about their plan, which of your assets should be used, and how the rest of them should be deployed. The delegates arrive aboard the USS Ki, an Intrepid-class starship, and will return to the core systems on another ship. The Ki is on her way through Bifour space (with their permission) to explore the sectors beyond.
It appears that the Cardassians on Bifour aren't completely stupid, or as isolationist as I'd thought.
Provided Captain Nall agrees, I would assign Rigorous to take the delegates on their tour. I've managed to get some helpful advice and introduction from the good Captain since I arrived -- one last grand tour of the sector, and especially a goodwill visit to Bifour IV, will be a great way for a fine starship and her crew to go out in style. Nall is also the most well-known Federation figure in the sector, and so her presence would lend greater importance to the tour.
2. Miscalculating a warp equation, one of the Jovali cruisers creates a wormhole and drops itself right in the middle of the Pink Nebula, where it is disabled. The Jovali ask for help; however, Cardassian ships are closer and offer to respond. The Jovali aren�t terribly fond of the Cardassians.
I can't blame the Jovali for their concern. Given recent (and not-so-recent) history, the Jovali have probably been worrying about Cardassian invasion for the past 20 to 30 years -- or more.
The ship that can get there the fastest is Cerberus, and also has more powerful engines and up-to-date equipment that can either tow the Jovali cruiser out of the nebula and/or provide the necessary engineering support.
However, the Jovali ship is one of their huge Anaitsirhc-class patrol cruisers and grosses more than 5,000,000 metric tons. The Cerberus wouldn't be able to pull the cruiser out on its own. Furthermore, since the Pink Nebula is inside Cardassian territory, they have a right to be in on the operation. I'll try to set this up diplomatically and have the Cerberus coordinate the whole thing -- try to keep the Jovali and the Cardassians from getting on each other's nerves.
My only concern is that having Cerberus go into the Pink Nebula means that it abandons its patrol route between Bifour IV and Jovalis. However, this will give me a chance to get a good look inside the Pink Nebula and see if the Cardassians are hiding anything in there.
3. The �duck blind� ground station is raided by pirates. They steal the station�s cloaking device, cloak suits (�Insurrection�), and bioneural computer system. The pirate ship escapes, integrating the cloak into their shields. The mission crew cleverly bumps their heads in the right places and are hiding among the population, but need help before they are found out.
Again, I send Cerberus rushing to the rescue. First, evacuating the surveillance crew from the surface and camouflaging the outpost are the top priority -- but I may just have an engineering team beam down to do the work at the outpost and have Cerberus immediately start hunting for the raiders. Because pirates with a cloaked ship and invisibility suits is NOT something that I want to have to deal with in the long term...
C) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (B). 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.
Note: Mark, you should make it clear that we're going to have to deal with this scenario before our fleet arrives. Last time, I wrote a scenario that assumed that everyone had all their ships. Thus, it was kinda anticlimactic when they did nothing since they had no ship in the area!
Scenario: A Cardassian Hideki-class warship emerges from the Purple Nebula, heading on a "southeast" vector. However, once it's clear of the nebula, it changes course towards Zechs... at Warp 2.3. Long-range scans indicate that the ship may be damaged, but the Hideki is transmitting no distress call, or any other messages for that matter.
D) The USS Ki fails to check in on the far side of Bifour space. She sent a regular report through the DS12 comm network on schedule when she was more than halfway through their space, but they are more than a week late with their scheduled report. All the Bifour Cadassian ships are accounted for, and they report their last contact with the Ki a couple days after their last check-in. The Cardassians realize that you will want to send someone in to search for them and will let you do so; however whatever you send in will be escorted by one of their Hidekis who will aid in the search. Detail your plans, deployments, and search priorities.
If all of the Bifour Cardassian ships are accounted for... then we may have a serious problem. Based on the preliminary intelligence, none of the "low yield" colonies in the neighboring sector generate sufficient resources to maintain a shipyard and the construction of new warships.
However, it seems so far that the Cardassians are willing to cooperate; the fact that they support the old authoritarian form of government does not in itself prove that they're hostile to the Federation. At the very least, the thrashing that they received a few years ago probably convinced them not to stand in our way.
In any event, I'm not going to risk Cerberus for this matter. If it was any hostile reason for Ki's disappearance or delay -- Cardassians or otherwise -- then I want to ensure the safety of Jovalis. It looks like Captain Nall will have to ride to the rescue one more time...
-------------------- “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:Note: Mark, you should make it clear that we're going to have to deal with this scenario before our fleet arrives. Last time, I wrote a scenario that assumed that everyone had all their ships. Thus, it was kinda anticlimactic when they did nothing since they had no ship in the area!
posted
A) Captain Nall has spent longer as a starship captain than you likely have in your whole career. Over a mug of Raktajino, the two of you amicably debate the differences between the responsibilities of a Captain and an Admiral in Starfleet. One of the key differences is of course the emphasis in tactical or strategic planning, as the case may be. Nall challenges you to flex your smaller-picture mind by asking how you would defend DS12 and an attack on Jovalis. Typically this sort of plan would be for the DS12 CO, but she�d like to see what your thoughts are. Determine your response to:
1. up to half of the Cardassian threat forces in the sector
The dedication of just half the Bifour starships to this assault (say, two Galors and three Hidekis or one Galor and five Hidekis) creates something of a conundrum. The force is barely big enough to safely deal with two UFP starships and assorted local defenses, and can have limited aims only. In any case, the obvious first target would be the orbital colonies. The Cardassians might settle for that and retreat, or then use the assault to lure my ships out to an errand of vengeance and into an ambush and then proceed to attack DS12.
In either case, the Cardassians will initially aim for maximum destruction of soft targets, so I have to respond as early as possible, before the enemy splits up and starts the Great Jovalis Turkey Shoot against the habitats. My Excelsior, the Clemenceau, will rush to meet the threat force and strafe them from medium warp while the planetary defenses are scrambled. The Rigorous probably won�t be anywhere near the battlefield, since I sent her to a tour that probably has taken her to the border planets now. She will be recalled anyway.
Having my lone starship buzz the invasion force before they reach their target will also let me better know where they are headed. I�ll split my local craft in two wings, one per each of the large habitat clusters, and send volley after volley of torps out from both DS12 and the runabouts to welcome the enemy. Anything to keep the Cardassians at an arm�s length.
If the Cardassians make moves towards the Cluster, the Clemenceau will follow � she�s probably the nimblest insystem combatant, with her honking big impulse engines. However, at such short ranges, I can redeploy the runabouts, too.
2. up to twenty smaller vessels as though from a Maquis attack
I�ve got a harder time figuring out the motivations of these Maquis folks. Did the UFP really have to go to hell while I was absent? Insurgents with semi-autonomously operating assault craft is not something I had to deal with back when up was still up. I don�t know where and how these people want to strike. I can�t threaten their carrier or tender to deter them, since they don�t need one. My Excelsior isn�t exactly the pinnacle of multitargeting technology. And the good old trick of sudden warp-jumping won�t help against these fighters, since they are capable of respectable warp themselves.
Well, I can overcome one of these problems. I�ve got an expert staff to help me figure out these insurgents. It�s clearly the Starfleet presence they oppose, and thus the starships or DS12 will be their primary targets. So this time, I choose to sit back in the system and wait for the craft to arrive, preferably baiting them with a shields-down, under-repairs Clemenceau. Jovalisi and UFP small craft will then meet them and ask them to dance. The number of dirty tricks the Maquis-wannabes can play on me is minimized when I don�t engage in classic Starfleet starship combat or rely excessively on DS12 fire support. The Clemenceau will be used mainly to hunt down any insurgent craft fleeing from the battle.
3. just for fun, a Borg sphere entering the system.
Jeez. Can you imagine how stupid I looked, asking Dalan �Borg who?�� And spilling my Raktajino all over her when she gave me the short version. I�m supposed to stop these cybernetic maniacs when the best and brightest of 3rd Fleet were slaughtered trying? Twice?
Oh, well. Time to consult my experts again. Based on the infamous V-Files, I suspect an inside job is the way to go. The Clemenceau will be expendable in distracting the Sphere with torpedo volleys long enough for me to send boarding parties and transporter bombs through whatever holes I can find or punch in their shields. Simultaneously, I�ll try and saturate their tractor beam defenses by ramming the Sphere with multiple fighters. If everything else fails, I�ll expose the Clemenceau to boarding, after injecting my crew with pathogens that will strike the cybernetic crew of the invader once it becomes integrated with mine. If there isn�t time to devise an anti-cybernetic virus like those used in the V-files, a simple anti-biological one will do. Let the flesh of the Borg rot and see how well they can run their ship...
B) The following are several situations that occur on your watch. 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 take it that my entire fleet will not be available in this question, either. Still, I�ll also include a full fleet response here, just for fun.
1. The first Federation delegation arrives in the sector to welcome its new member world. Several of the delegation wish to tour the sector to meet key parties on all the worlds, including a diplomatic mission to Bifour IV at the invitation of their government. Recommend how the delegates should go about their plan, which of your assets should be used, and how the rest of them should be deployed. The delegates arrive aboard the USS Ki, an Intrepid-class starship, and will return to the core systems on another ship. The Ki is on her way through Bifour space (with their permission) to explore the sectors beyond.
Assuming I only have two starships, the Rigorous will be sent to escort the delegation. Given the target of the Ki, I�ll ask her to serve as the ship that carries the delegation to Bifour IV, via Joval, Zechs and Lucrezea. The Rigorous will provide the ride back to Jovalis. A two-ship escort will offer protection against most threats imaginable, and allows for a scenario where the Ki flees to safety while the Rigorous fights a delaying action.
The presence of the well-liked Rigorous crew will further facilitate diplomatic contact. I�d also like to invite aboard representatives from all the worlds the ships will visit, organize a meeting at Bifour orbit to discuss the future of the sector, and then return the representatives to their respective planets aboard the Rigorous.
Assuming my fleet has arrived, I will dedicate one of the frigates to escort the Ki to Joval and further to Zechs, where I will arrange a rendezvous with the Canaris that carries the former Rigorous crew. The Canaris will take on the escort duty to Lucrezea and Bifour, while the frigate returns to scheduled patrol.
2. Miscalculating a warp equation, one of the Jovali cruisers creates a wormhole and drops itself right in the middle of the Pink Nebula, where it is disabled. The Jovali ask for help; however, Cardassian ships are closer and offer to respond. The Jovali aren�t terribly fond of the Cardassians.
Assuming I only have two ships, the Rigorous will probably be the closer one, and will respond no matter what the Cardassians do. If the Cardassians handle the situation in a civilized manner, I�ll let them do the necessary towing, but will ask them to refrain from boarding unless specifically asked to. I�ll also covertly suggest to the Jovali that they ask me to. My experts will offer to come over to Joval and help prevent further miscalculations, so that the Jovali can send their other ship to meet the disabled sister for the journey home.
Assuming my fleet is there, the patrol frigate closest to the nebula will take the role of the Rigorous, and a second frigate will also be sent to assist.
3. The �duck blind� ground station is raided by pirates. They steal the station�s cloaking device, cloak suits (�Insurrection�), and bioneural computer system. The pirate ship escapes, integrating the cloak into their shields. The mission crew cleverly bumps their heads in the right places and are hiding among the population, but need help before they are found out.
Both the Rigorous and a number of runabouts will be sent to the planet, to perform an evacuation and to look for traces of the pirate ship. I seriously doubt the sensors of either of my aged starships will locate the pirates unless I get a whiff of their warp trail while it�s still hot. Failing that, the ships will return to their scheduled activities, while I inform the neighbors of the new menace in the sector. As the cloak isn�t of the most modern combat standard, I believe I can reveal enough of its specs to let the neighbors attempt to track it.
For the multi-ship scenario, one of my Springfield frigates will no doubt be the first to reach G�Sall. Also, she�ll be better equipped to hunt down the bandits, and I may delay informing the neighbors if I�m confident I can catch the pirates myself.
C) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (B). 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. Assume that your fleet has yet to arrive.
A battered Kressari transport arrives at Lucrezea, claiming to have been attacked by a Dominion cruiser near Zechs. This is only the latest in a series of wild rumors about a Jem�Hadar vessel that has refused to believe in the stand-down orders and bitterly continues the war � and the rumors have never specified a ship as big as a cruiser before.
But the Kressari do have phased-polaron beam wounds on their ship to show. And so the flames are fanned and fueled. The Kressari are allied with the domesticated variant of Cardassians, and ship various produce from Lucrezea to the starving Union; the Lucrezeans insist that this is state-sponsored piracy, that the Bifourians are maintaining or even operating the Jem�Hadar vessel to hurt both the Lucrezeans and the tamer Cardassians.
The otherwise cooperative Bifourians balk at the insults. They suspend Kressari and other cargo runs across this part of the border �until the ghost ship is found and dealt with�. It doesn�t look like they are doing any �finding� or �dealing with� of their own, though.
D) The USS Ki fails to check in on the far side of Bifour space. She sent a regular report through the DS12 comm network on schedule when she was more than halfway through their space, but they are more than a week late with their scheduled report. All the Bifour Cardassian ships are accounted for, and they report their last contact with the Ki a couple days after their last check-in. The Cardassians realize that you will want to send someone in to search for them and will let you do so; however whatever you send in will be escorted by one of their Hidekis who will aid in the search. Detail your plans, deployments, and search priorities.
How far is this far side again? Presumably not right across the sector border. I suppose a proper search of a single sector by a single starship would take a week or two, involving a helical course at warp 8 and side-scanning across three-four lightyears. This will definitely tie up one of my ships for a month or more. I�d better send the Clemenceau, since anything that can kill an Intrepid will probably make short work of an old Constellation as well. Plus the Clemenceau is faster. To maximize my search capabilities, I load aboard two to four runabouts as well. Assuming the relevant scenario in B didn�t take place, or was successfully solved, I could go and get a cloak from G�Sall, install it on one of the runabouts, and drop her to do a search of Bifour space while the rest of my assets openly search the space beyond Bifour outer border.
posted
Okay, so I was really, REALLY bored this evening. "Enterprise" wasn't very entertaining. And so I wrote up a couple of quick articles based on some personal specs that I wrote previously for my own (probable) future use in this scenario. The information contained herein does not necessarily apply to anyone else's scenarios -- it's just my perspective on the historical background and basic technical features, combined with some personal speculation and a liberal dose of creativity. But if anyone else wants to use it for their own responses, go ahead!
The Jovali Stellar Navy, 2379
Although the Jovali have been a spacefaring race for nearly four hundred years (the first orbital habitats in orbit of Jovalis were established nearly two centuries ago), they only discovered warp travel approximately 70 years ago, and have generally made only limited expeditions outside the system since then. The Jovali have established diplomatic relations with several local planets in neighboring sectors, and also have assigned a permanent ambassador to the Federation. However, in general the Jovali tend to keep to themselves. (The inhabitants of the orbital habitats of Jovalis, on the other hand, have eagerly established firm political and economic ties with many other interstellar powers.)
Because of their relatively infrequent contact with other planets and their lack of interstellar trade, Joval originally had little need for a spacefaring military force. Early exploratory missions to locations of interest including the Purple Nebula were conducted under the auspices of scientific agencies, and commercial and private travel between Joval and Jovalis was unrestricted by the government.
Unfortunately, contact with hostile powers forced the Jovali to develop measures to ensure their safety and sovereignty. As trade between the Jovalis colonies and the Federation increased, small groups of raiders began to move into the sector looking for easy prey. Also, the Cardassian Union established a colony on Bifour IV in 2328 and began to conduct an aggressive expansion program in the neighboring sectors. Finally, contact with the Federation established through USS Rigorous in 2329 brought much wider attention to this small, out of the way sector.
The multitude of far more advanced interstellar powers, both hostile and friendly, induced the Jovali to build a series of dedicated warships to patrol their system, defend against raiders, and provide a first line of defense against potential invaders. The first ships were little more than converted freighters with an expanded weapons outfit consisting of high-power lasers and a handful of missiles with fusion-based warheads. Over the next five decades, the Jovali attempted to bridge the vast technological gap by purchasing technology from other powers (mainly nonaligned governments including the Ferengi Alliance) and devoting more resources towards their own local research and development programs. However, despite nearly 50 years of industrious work and great cost, the Jovali fleet remains far behind the modern starships fielded by the Federation, the Cardassians, and especially the Federation.
The Srewot-class patrol frigate is currently the mainstay of the Jovali defense forces. Previous classes of warships deployed in the system had been reasonably successful in protecting the Joval-Jovalis trade route along with the Jovalis orbital habitats. However, raider activity began to increase in the 2350's, and many of the newly-arrived pirate ships were equipped with more advanced weaponry, stronger shields, and faster warp drive. Therefore, several attacks on outposts in the outer system and near Jovalis were successfully conducted thanks to the raiders' superior technology. The most embarrassing incident took place in 2354, when a small group of 8 unidentified raider craft attacked Orbital Habitat Ohtwa in the Deyal Group orbiting Jovalis. The Jovali patrol ship Prahs was crippled in the engagement, and all 8 raiders escaped when pursuing cruisers were unable to maintain a speed greater than Warp 4.
In response to this incident, Ypaha Hrrays, Monarch of Joval, ordered the construction of a new class of warship that would be capable of sustained high-speed travel and armed with sufficient firepower to engage starships up to a Class 4 rating. Hrrays opened negotiations with the Ferengi Alliance and purchased disruptor technology approximately equivalent to the Federation Type-VIII phaser. The result was the Srewot-class patrol frigate, a lumbering, ungainly cruiser an order of magnitude more massive than other frigate-type starships -- but the massive size allowed a series of powerful fusion reactors capable of providing sufficient energy for the advanced disruptors and the Warp 5-capable drive system.
Despite the technological gap, though, the class proved relatively successful in curtailing raider activity within the Joval System. The new warships were able to successfully intercept 16 separate raider attacks in the first 14 months of service, and registered 59 kills during the same period. Since then, the Srewot-class ships have served adequately within the Joval System and in the immediate region. However, along with the presence of more advanced civilizations in neighboring systems, the speed limitations still prevent Joval from projecting its political power far outside of the home system.
The greatest threat to Joval's security came in the early 2370's with contact with the Dominion. When the war broke out between the Dominion and their Cardassian allies and the Federation in late 2373, Joval found itself close to the front lines of the fiercest interstellar conflict in known history. Fortunately, the remoteness of Sector Gamma from the major planes of contention in the Bajor and Kalandra Sectors (which are approximately 40 light-years away) ensured that the Dominion paid little attention to this small, underdeveloped area of space. However, the distance also meant that Starfleet could provide few resources to defend its interests in the region, especially considering the staggering losses which were suffered on the major fronts.
In the first six months of the war, the Dominion and the Cardassians made a limited effort to conquer Sector Gamma. A small fleet of Jem'Hadar and Cardassian warships engaged in several skirmishes with Federation starships before launching a concerted assault on the Joval System in April 2374. Although Monarch Hrrays had carefully maintained Joval's neutrality by refusing both an alliance with the Federation and a non-aggression pact with the Dominion, Joval's forces joined with the Starfleet task force lead by Captain Nall to halt the Jem'Hadar advance. In the Battle of Joval-Ad, Starfleet and Jovali starships managed to turn back the Dominion invasion fleet -- but at the cost of five of the seven Srewot-class frigates then in service and three of the eight Starfleet vessels in the task force.
It was extremely fortunate for all concerned that the Battle of Bajor was fought just three weeks later, which resulted in the Dominion's first major defeat of the war. The Dominion then pulled its remaining forces back to reinforce the regions closer to Cardassia Prime, and any advances in Sector Gamma were effectively abandoned. Furthermore, no further offensives were initiated in the area, and Joval remained uninvolved for the remainder of the war.
Although the Battle of Joval-Ad was a strategic victory, it came only as a result of assistance from Starfleet and was otherwise a tactical disaster -- nearly 70% of Joval's home fleet was destroyed and nearly 20,000 Jovali soldiers lost their lives. It was clear that Jovali technology remained vastly inferior to that of the other major powers in the quadrant. Nevertheless, the Srewot-class remained a tried and true design, and in order to fill the void which resulted from the destruction of the fleet at Joval-Ad, new vessels were constructed as replacements.
At this time, the future of the class remains uncertain. Although the Srewot is a sturdy vessel, the inferiority of its equipment limits its capabilities. There are currently plans to upgrade the spaceframe with more advanced technologies that have been purchased from traders and other governments, as well as a locally-designed matter/antimatter reactor and Federation-based technology that has percolated through the Jovalis-Joval trade route. However, the viability of these 24th century technologies on a 22nd century-equivalent design has yet to be determined.
As the threats to Joval's security mounted in the early 2370's, it became increasingly clear that the Srewot-class frigates were not sufficiently advanced to adequately defend the Joval System. Although the majority of the battles were fought several dozen light-years away, the effects of those battles -- including the Borg invasions, the Klingon-Cardassian War, and the Dominion annexation of Cardassia -- were far-reaching and it took little imagination for the Jovali to consider the possibility of those battles spilling into their territory.
Therefore, in 2372 the Jovali High Command submitted a petition to Monarch Ypaha Hrrays to provide funding for the development of a powerful and more advanced class of warship for the defense of Joval. Although he expressed concerns about the possibility of a military buildup jeopardizing Joval's neutrality, funding was approved for the development of the new ship.
However, the designers of the ship quickly ran into difficulty. Although Joval had recently purchased more advanced weapons and defense systems, these new technologies were extremely power-intensive and could not be supported on a fusion power plant of the size and type installed in previous classes of Joval starships. Joval had also not developed a matter/antimatter reactor small enough to be mounted on a starship of similar displacement to the Srewot-class frigate. Indeed, the prototype reactor that was built on Joval's primary moon of Ladev displaced approximately 280,000 metric tons. Therefore, the minimum total displacement necessary for a starship to carry a similar reactor was close to 2,000,000 metric tons -- and that measurement did not include the massive equipment including shield generators, disruptor emitters, and plasma cannons.
Faced with the extreme urgency of the growing threats to Joval, the designers were forced to compromise the design by expanding its projected dimensions to the extreme, in order to allow the full-sized M/AM reactor and offensive weaponry. The result was a hulking, unwieldy battlecruiser with offensive capabilities approximately equivalent to a Sovereign-class starship, but was seriously underpowered and poorly shielded, and required thousands of crewmen to operate.
Construction on the first warship of the Anaitsirhc-class began in mid-2373, shortly after the Dominion annexed the Cardassian Union. Work proceeded at a feverish pace, but assembly was only 75% complete when the Dominion fleet invaded the Joval System in April 2374. Nevertheless, the Anaitsirhc was activated and rushed to join the desperate defense of Joval, despite missing nearly half of its weapons systems and large portions of its hull armor. The Anaitsirhc unequivocably proved its worth in the ensuing Battle of Joval-Ad, accounting for the destruction of six Jem'Hadar attack fighters before coordinated fire from several Jem'Hadar and Cardassian cruisers punctured its defenses and struck the reactor section with multiple direct hits. Without all of its safety and defense systems installed, the Anaitsirhc was quickly destroyed in a warp core breach.
Despite the destruction of the prototype, the Jovali commanders were impressed with the Anaitsirhc's performance in the battle and decided to proceed with the assembly of three more vessels. Two of these are currently in service, with the launch of the third delayed pending the resolution of debates regarding the necessity of its deployment in this era of newfound peace following the defeat of the Dominion and the Cardassians.
Although the Anaitsirhc-class cruiser is an unmaneuverable, underpowered, and overgunned vessel with a diverse patchwork of alien technologies, the sheer firepower which it possesses ensures that it can stand toe-to-toe with many of the surrounding powers' starships currently deployed for at least short-term engagements. In the mean time, Jovali scientists are hard at work at developing more compact versions of the technology currently in use for the creation of a smaller, more balanced craft. However, the design of this craft is believed to still be in the early stages, and the Anaitsirhc-class will remain the cornerstone of Jovali defenses for at least the next decade.
-------------------- “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:QUESTION TWO A1. up to half of the Cardassian threat forces in the sector,
Half of 3 and half of 7? Okay. Let's say 2 Galor and 3 Hideki. My first thought would be 'where are the other ships?' Are the at home defending against my potential counter-attack. Are they making a large loop to outflank me? Is the raid unauthorised, being carried out by a rebel faction? Anyway the problem at hand is how to deal with the force attacking Jovalis.
Their aim must fall into one of two braod categories: (a) invasion - in which case they must attack DS12 to succeed or (b) hit and run raid - in which case they'll probably go for softer targets. There's also the possibility that bthey may split their attacking force.
As the Ataturk is doing a tour of the sector and the Rigorous is on patrol I'll assume that one of them is close enough to reach Jovalis in time. From here on I'll refer to that as my starship.
I'd start by requesting assistance from the Jovali - their ships would make it very one sided. An appeal to common heritage from the Jovilisi and some general 'bash the Cardies' comments may get them to send me some ships. If they do then the Cardies will be outnumbered and outgunned. If not...
The Hideki aren't important. The OWPs at Deyal and Piranti and DS12 should be able to take them down. So I'll assign a fair portion of the armed freighters and light craft to the Cluster.
The rest of the ships will form up around my starship and will initially be at DS12.
If the Cardies come towards DS12 then I'll meet them there. 1 starship, DS12, 70 OWP, 6 armed freighters and several small craft should suffice.
If they head towards anywhere else, either en masse or in smaller units, then I'll take my starship and it's escorting vessels and rush to intercept the Galors. If the Galors split up then I'll target the one heading towards the weakest position and hope that the stronger position can hold out against the other for long enough.
quote:A2. up to twenty smaller vessels as though from a Maquis attack, or
I'll assume that DS12 and the Piranti group are too strong to be threatened by this force. So I'll assign my freighters half and half to the Cluster and Deyal group. The small craft will form a grid pattern throughout the sector and will engage freely. My starship will start centrally and move to assist wherever it is required.
quote:A3. just for fun, a Borg sphere entering the system.
First, I'll ask for help from the Jovali and the Cardassians, but they probably won't as they'll be too busy planning their own defence. So its down to my three stage plan.
1. Assuming that they want to assimilate the most resources, technology and people I'll form up all the freighters and my starship at DS12. let them come to us - we'll wait and then unleash one huge volley. If we're lucky we'll overwhelm their shields before they can adapt. If not then firepower wasn't going to win the day anyway, which is why I....
2. Ordered the small craft to shadow the Sphere, weapons powered down, acting as meekly as possible. Typical Borg reaction will be to ignore them. If they can get inside the Sphere's shield then they can beam large quantities of anti-matter into the Sphere. Boom. But if the Borg have gotten wise to that trick then it's last ditch measures time...
3. My science officers are ordered to hit the computers and find every nasty virus, chemical, cybernetic, nanotech, etc. device ever invented. These will be replicated and issued to all crewmen. If we're taken aboard the Sphere for assimilation I hope that one or two of these devices go undetected for long enough to do their work.
quote:B1. The first Federation delegation arrives in the sector to welcome its new member world...
If they arrive early enough then the delegates may join me aboard the Ataturk as I do my tour of the sector. If they arrive later then they will have to scrounge a lift on a Jovalisi ship.
For the Bifour IV trip I'd recommend the Rigorous as the crew probably have contacts over there that may come in useful. As I'd also like to meet the Bifour authorities I'll transfer my flag to the Rigorous for the trip.
The Ataturk will remain on station on our side of the border, not too close but not too far away. Just in case.
quote:2. Miscalculating a warp equation, one of the Jovali cruisers creates a wormhole...
I would advise that they accept the Cardassian offer to help, but that if repairs are not possible that they wait for my ship rather than let the Cardies tow them anywhere. I will maintain constant communication so as to reduce the chance of a diplomatic misunderstanding. I will dispatch the Atatuk to help (I doubt the Rigorous could tow a Sovereign sized vessel if it came down to that). I will ask the Cardassians if they want to send a ship to escort me into their space, and to then escort the two ships out again.
[quotte]b3. The “duck blind” ground station is raided by pirates.[/quote]
I assume that the 'cloaking device' is actually holographic and not designed to full high tech sensors as (a) a true cloak would be a treaty violation with the Romulans and (b) it only needs to hide the survey from low tech natives. As such I assume that the cloak will not protect a ship from modern starship sensors, but it might protect it from those of a runabout or freighter. As such I'd send a starship (whichever was closest) to rescue the survey team - the raiders may be lurking nearby hoping to surprise a lesser vessel. I would send out an alert to neighbouring sectors warning shipping and authorities of these raiders and detailing what they have stolen.
quote:C) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (B).
A Ferengi Marauder class enters the sector and stops at Joval. The DaiMon makes no secret of the fact that Zechs is his next destination. The Cardassians send you a priority transmission claiming that this DaiMon is supplying arms to terrorist factions on Zechs. The Ferengi protests his innocence. The Cardassians say that they will not allow the Marauder to enter their space - but as Zechs is so close to the border this would almost certainly mean that any battle would take place in Federation space. And you do indeed here that two Galors have crossed the border and will intercept the Marauder close to the Purple Nebula. How will you respond?
quote:D) The USS Ki fails to check in on the far side of Bifour space.
I'd dispatch the Ataturk as the Rigorous is too old, slow and poorly armed to face whatever may be out there. But as I don't want to leave the sector myself I'll transfer my flag to DS12 for the duration. To speed up any search pattern that needs to be carried out I'll send two Runabouts along with the Ataturk (can Runabouts fit in an Excesior shuttle bay? Doesn't really matter). I'll happily accept Cardassian help. But I'll also subtly reassign the Rigorous and any Jovalisi ships I can to cover my side of the border and sweep Cardassian space with long range sensors.
-------------------- "My theories appal you, my heresies outrage you, I never answer letters and you don't like my tie." - The Doctor
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posted
1. up to half of the Cardassian threat forces in the sector
Well, that's either 2 Galors and 3 Hidekis or 1 Galor and 4 Hidekis. Either way it isn't much of a force so i wouldn't imagine they're going to be trying anything too agressive; probably hit and run attacks on the colony groups. As the Cluster is partcicularly vulnerable, I'd move the Indefagitable there and use the Rigorous as a mobile reserve.
2. up to twenty smaller vessels as though from a Maquis attack
In this case the enemy would be even more limited in his attack options; the weapons platforms ought to be able to take care of any small craft attacking them. As a result I believe that the greatest threat is to intersystem traffic and so i would use my starships to escort convoys.
3. just for fun, a Borg sphere entering the system
er... pray? Only joking. Basically I would equip my runabout equivilents with as many photon torpedoes as they can handle, hide them behind the Indy and Rigorous until in range, then order them to pop up and start firing as the two capital ships open fire as well. That should be enough to destroy a sphere. Hopefully.
1. The first Federation delegation arrives in the sector to welcome its new member world. Several of the delegation wish to tour the sector to meet key parties on all the worlds, including a diplomatic mission to Bifour IV at the invitation of their government. Recommend how the delegates should go about their plan, which of your assets should be used, and how the rest of them should be deployed. The delegates arrive aboard the USS Ki, an Intrepid-class starship, and will return to the core systems on another ship. The Ki is on her way through Bifour space (with their permission) to explore the sectors beyond.
I'll send them on the Ki with the Rigorous as escort/ return vessel. The delegates will travel straight to Bifour and then transfer to Rigorous for the journey back via Lucrezea, Zechs and Joval.
2. Miscalculating a warp equation, one of the Jovali cruisers creates a wormhole and drops itself right in the middle of the Pink Nebula, where it is disabled. The Jovali ask for help; however, Cardassian ships are closer and offer to respond. The Jovali aren’t terribly fond of the Cardassians.
First i'd head out there with the Indy. I'd allow the cardassians to assist but not to remove the cruiser and also request that they temporarily put themselves under the command of the Jovali captain. I would ask both commanders to try and minimise friction between their crews. When i get there i'd help to tow out the cruiser and also have a sniff around the nebula.
3. The “duck blind” ground station is raided by pirates. They steal the station’s cloaking device, cloak suits (“Insurrection”), and bioneural computer system. The pirate ship escapes, integrating the cloak into their shields. The mission crew cleverly bumps their heads in the right places and are hiding among the population, but need help before they are found out.
Well, i'd really have to send the Indefagitable to rescue the personnel and remove the ground facilities before beginning to search for the pirates.
C) Create another scenario like the ones presented in part (B).
A cardassian freighter preparing to leave Zechs is hijacked by a group of local revolutionaries. they demand that Zecks be given it's independance or else they will crash the freighter into the planet's main population centre. The Cardassians have no ships nearby and request your help.
D) The USS Ki fails to check in on the far side of Bifour space.
Well, seeing as how the Cardassians are being so reasonable I'd send the Indefagitable out to look for the Ki. She has better and more powerful sensors than the Rigorous and is also quite capeable of holding her own against the Hideki if necessary. Seeing as how the rest of my fleet is about to arrive I'll transfer to DS12 temporarily rather than accompany the Indy.
-------------------- "I am an almost extinct breed, an old-fashioned gentleman, which means I can be a cast-iron son-of-a-bitch when it suits me." --Jubal Harshaw
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
I'll wait until Mondy night to post Q3 - I'm doing some extra work tonight and won't be able to finish it all tonight. So those who've yet to reply get a 24-hour reprive.
posted
Light one this week folks, as we're warming up to next week's guest lecture! Here we go:
QUESTION THREE (Four Parts)
Additional Background: At your discretion, use Admiral Dan’s specs for the Jovali (royal?) fleet ships. They’re cool.
A) OBJECTIVELY CRITIQUE one of the answers to the hypothetical attacks in Question 2A.
B) Answer one or more of the questions posed by the other participants in Question 2C. Remember, at this point your fleet has not yet arrived.
C) The fleet you requisitioned in Q1 arrives in full, with an additional present: the USS Aristophanes (Miranda-class, Saratoga-refit, NCC-31923). The Aristophanes is a Starfleet Academy training ship, and carries about a hundred cadets and a regular crew of twenty on a second year field cruise. They’ll be spending a few months in Sector Gamma, helping out with routine assignments while having cadets spend a couple weeks at a time on your ships. So, adding the Aristophanes into the mix, maneuver your fleet according to the following scenarios. Make note of any political reactions from involved parties that may occur. The Rigorous has now gone to whatever fate you’ve recommended in Q1.
1) The Lucrezeans get their act together and purchase some ships to head up their militia. Their patchwork fleet includes a smattering of customized shuttles, two surplus Klingon Birds of Prey (D-12 class) from the Ferengi, and a Yridian destroyer. In response, the Bifour fleet moves a Galor and two Hidekis around Zechs, despite repeated statements that the Lucrezean government has no interest in expansion/retaking the former Federation colony. 2) Whatever search party you sent out to find the USS Ki finds a gaggle of escape pods close to the pulsar in the adjoining sector, containing about a third of her crew. Your people eventually reconstruct that the Ki struck a gravitic mine left over from the Cardassian conflicts of the 2340s. The mine stuck the bridge, wiping out the command crew along with most of the saucer. Some wreckage of the ship is located where it should be, and the energy signatures match that of a larger-than-usual, but not unheard-of, Cardassian mine. 3) The separatist elements in Jovalis space are mostly concentrated in the Cluster, though no more than a third of any colony cylinder there is interested in separation. However, a bombshell is dropped when a cylinder holds a referendum not to separate, but to move – separatists in a Deyal group cylinder want to move their home the Cluster. The vote succeeds, and the municipal government requests that Starfleet tractor their colony to its new home. Such an action will tie up your largest ship, or two of your smaller ships, for a couple months. However, the Jovalis government sees this as a legal action, so…
D) Create another scenario like those in part C, except this time it involves your whole fleet. Feel free to follow up on the scenario you created in Q2.
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Of course, this does not mean that there are any right or wrong answers to these scenarios!![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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