Briefvoice Analyzes the Options
(sucks in breath, taps fingers together)
Rather than jump to voting, I'd like to analyze each of these options individually and then what I think it means. Let me know if you agree/disagree.
[ ][PREZ] Industrial Support/Lend-Lease Response
This will do a lot to aid the Romulans in winning the coming war, while reducing actual Federation exposure.
Benefits: Romulans more likely to win/win faster; increased Romulan relationship.
Drawbacks: Some Klingon disfavor/displeasure; some chance of Breen retaliation to discourage Federation interference.
[ ][PREZ] Alliance-Building Diplomacy Response to gain more participants in response
Involves attempting to sound out and bring on boar our allies/affiliates/known species in that area of space; especially the Ked Peddah whose support would be critical for any action.
Benefits: Stronger coalition for any response, reduce chances of Federation being accused of acting unilaterally or getting into secondary conflict due to territorial violation. Also, if you want to talk to the Dreamers, this might bring them in.
Drawbacks: Diplomacy is slow and will do nothing to affect the course of the war until our allies are ready to act. Given that the Breen are likely counting on a rapid victory, we could lose out chance to meaningfully intervene. Harmony of Horizon likely to stick their snouts in.
[ ][PREZ] Aggressive Diplomatic Response to isolate Breen
Attempt to punish the Breen through harsh diplomatic pressure on neighboring polities; "You're with us or with them."
Benefits: Even harsh diplomacy plays to Federations strength's, can be profitably paired with other aggressive actions. Much faster.
Drawbacks: Risks creating blowback from local polities resentful we are dictating terms to them. Breen are aggressive isolationists... how vulnerable are they even going to be to diplomatic pressure? Harmony of Horizon likely to stick their snouts in.
[ ][PREZ] Conciliatory Diplomatic Response to Breen
Try to make nice and get the Breen side of the story.
Benefits: Plays to Federation's strengths; could yield meaningful information about the causes of the war if hidden justifications exist. Most consistent with Pacifist ideals.
Drawbacks: Breen attempted to murder the Courageous to eliminate witnesses; this does nothing to discourage more such behavior. Does not pair well with any of the more aggressive actions. Breen are unlikely to be "talked out" of invasion, though one never knows.
[ ][PREZ] Subterfuge & Sabotage Response
Send some special teams to go in and fuck Breen shit up.
Benefits: Could help turn tide of war with relatively small Federation exposure. We've had success with such efforts in the past, such as in the final Gabriel conflict.
Drawbacks: If it fails, could be disastrous and invite heavy Breen retaliation, as well as making the Federation look bad to neighbors.
[ ][PREZ] Direct Action Response against Breen assets
Don't call it "war". Limited military action in tit-for-tat response. They put one of ours in the repair dock, we put one of theirs in the warp core breach. It's the
Chicago Federation way.
Benefits: Decisive action guaranteed to raw Breen attention and make it clear how unhappy the Federation is. In an ideal world, could force them to back down in the face of Federation might and call off war.
Drawbacks: Military action is always risky. We could lose! Instead of backing down, Breen could double down and we'd had a real war on our backs, as co-belligerants to the Romulans and severely damaging Federation reputation in some circles.
[ ][PREZ] Romulan-Klingon Border Peacekeeping Response
Try to ensure that Romulan-Klingon war does not reignite.
Benefits: Preventing a resumption of war could save many lives and prevent untold horrors. Makes it easier for Romulans to beat back the Breen.
Drawbacks: Klingons will be pissed beyond belief and will regard the Federation as unacceptably compromised as a neutral party. In worst case, they tear up current treaty.
[ ][PREZ] Recon & Intel Support
Aid in the war with limited public exposure with our sensors and information-gathering capability.
Benefits: Potentially big impact with very little Federation public exposure or heavy involvement. Romulans mollified that we are doing something to help, discouraging xenophobic attitudes. May be least objectionable "help out in war" options as regards the Klingons.
Drawbacks: A failed missions could be a spectacular and public relations disaster. War impact may be limited.
[ ][PREZ] Push for Federation Early Mobilisation
Prepare for war.
Benefits: If it comes to war, we are ready. Sight of Federation mobilizing may have salutory effect of making Breen take threat of Federation intervention seriously, allowing them to be forced down diplomatically.
Drawbacks: Puts us one step closer to war in a very public manner.
