To Boldly Go... (a Starfleet quest)
- Thread starter OneirosTheWriter
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
-
- Tags
- star trek exploration fully automated luxury gay space communism top level canon (canon) #hashtagcontent all-encompassing space amoeba cardassian boy bands cardassian magical girls darkest bureaucracy debate makes the qm cackle like palpatine hoh is an empire quest it has to be foreign infiltrators more ships ship happens singers delenda est starfleet this is not an empire quest ur waifu is collective?
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
I mean, I can easily understand the direct mechanical consequence.
The problem is that it's going to result in elaborate schemes of "switch tech team A to research Thing 1, B to Thing 2," and so on, because every turn will see us with a number of projects nearing completion.
At the moment, the mechanically optimal strategy is almost always to have your best teams researching your most important subjects, and to keep them sticking on topic, because even if they overfill a tech their superior skill will make itself felt somehow- in time saved for the next research project, if nothing else.
Now, that is no longer the case, and the minmaxing takes on another dimension.
But I expect to hear a LOT from people who are telling me that Spock should hop over to this, freeing up that team to finish off a computer project so that the Daystrom Institute can do that, and the next thing I know the poor confused tiger team is curled up in the corner crying amid the wreckage of other people's lunch because they've lost track of what's going on, and Reggie's diagrams of who asks whom to do what have turned into a cat's cradle.
And all of this is purely mechanical, it makes no sense in terms of what a real Starfleet admiral would actually tell people to do. Maybe it results in our techs getting finished 0.2% faster and maybe it doesn't, but it's going to hurt to engage with from a gamist perspective.
Having research be transferable within a field (so that overflow on a 20-point subtech goes to one of the other, pricier techs in the same field) will help mitigate that some. It's better than nothing.
But honestly, I'd be willing to volunteer as Deputy Assistant Research Keeper-Tracker-Of specifically to lessen the burden on Oneiros so that he wouldn't have to deal with it, and could keep the old overflow mechanism in place despite the branching tech tree.
Actually, I am willing to do that.
The problem is that it's going to result in elaborate schemes of "switch tech team A to research Thing 1, B to Thing 2," and so on, because every turn will see us with a number of projects nearing completion.
At the moment, the mechanically optimal strategy is almost always to have your best teams researching your most important subjects, and to keep them sticking on topic, because even if they overfill a tech their superior skill will make itself felt somehow- in time saved for the next research project, if nothing else.
Now, that is no longer the case, and the minmaxing takes on another dimension.
But I expect to hear a LOT from people who are telling me that Spock should hop over to this, freeing up that team to finish off a computer project so that the Daystrom Institute can do that, and the next thing I know the poor confused tiger team is curled up in the corner crying amid the wreckage of other people's lunch because they've lost track of what's going on, and Reggie's diagrams of who asks whom to do what have turned into a cat's cradle.
And all of this is purely mechanical, it makes no sense in terms of what a real Starfleet admiral would actually tell people to do. Maybe it results in our techs getting finished 0.2% faster and maybe it doesn't, but it's going to hurt to engage with from a gamist perspective.
Having research be transferable within a field (so that overflow on a 20-point subtech goes to one of the other, pricier techs in the same field) will help mitigate that some. It's better than nothing.
But honestly, I'd be willing to volunteer as Deputy Assistant Research Keeper-Tracker-Of specifically to lessen the burden on Oneiros so that he wouldn't have to deal with it, and could keep the old overflow mechanism in place despite the branching tech tree.
Actually, I am willing to do that.
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- Location
- Anchorage, Alaska
Well, this should only kick in when a tech is totally completed though, yes? There are multiple levels inside any given tech, so not every team will be shuffled every turn. In fact, wouldn't we want to be shifting research teams around every once in a while anyway? Just to make sure we had better basic tech coverage. This more incentivizes us to do the shift about a turn sooner than we normally would, and lore-wise could represent a team essentially finishing the project their working on, and leaving the small amount of fine tuning to another team, while they sink their teeth into something more engaging.
- Location
- United States
another option is to just let us designate which area each team would research next, and therefore where its overflow goes to. this would remove any administrative overhead for you, and it disincentives shuffling, but it would mean more complicated plans.
2308.Q4 - Well, They Try
- Location
- Australia
[X] Romulan Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] Cardassian Fleet Strength Report
[X] Caitian-Dawiar War Progress Report (Will include supplementary updates)
[X] Klingon Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] USS Polaris Incident Report
[X] Cardassian Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] Yrillian Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] Cardassian Fleet Strength Report
[X] Caitian-Dawiar War Progress Report (Will include supplementary updates)
[X] Klingon Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] USS Polaris Incident Report
[X] Cardassian Diplomatic Posture Report
[X] Yrillian Diplomatic Posture Report
Continued Diplomatic Push
Caladonians 298/500 + 20 = 318/500
Caldonians will begin the process of closer integration
Starfleet Intelligence Report
2308.Q4
Suspected Force on Romulan Border:
1 Heavy Warbird
3 Birds of Prey
0 D7s
A series of Shipyard upgrades and expansions will be completing shortly to provide the infrastructure for the new cruiser project, and to expand Heavy Warbird production. On our direct front, no change in structure has occurred.
Suspected Force on Klingon Border:
2 K'tinga
6 Klingon Bird of Prey
The first prototype of the second generation Bird of Prey has entered production. It is considerably larger than the existing BoP, but still much smaller than the K'tinga.
Forces on our border currently hold steady.
Suspected Force on Cardassian Frontier:
3 Jaldun-class destroyers operating within the frontier unit on a regular basis.
CDF Trager
CDF Ronagot
CDF Karnack [Believed to be shortly returning from repair duty]
1 Science Escort is also operating within the frontier.
CDF Parnok
Cardassian Fleet Strength Report
The operations of the USS T'Mir have given us our greatest insights yet into the size and complexion of the Cardassian Union Fleet. As believed previously, the backbone of the Cardassian fleet is the Jaldun-class destroyer. At a little over one million ton, it is a flexible and powerful combatant, while still maintaining a scientific suite and diplomatic capacity roughly equivalent or superior to the current Constellation-class cruisers. Obviously, this disparity in our normal backbone sector support asset creates difficulties in any forward deployment scenario.
The last year has obviously also seen the encounter and destruction of a battlecruiser, which we believe weighed in at 1.8mt, while possessing greater firepower, equivalent shields, but a slightly weaker hull, than an Excelsior-class explorer. As an aside, Starfleet Intelligence believes this combat-focus in the Cardassian forces represents a weakness when confronted with a peer competitor, as it restricts the flexibility of the Cardassian fleet. They are believed to have no full-scale explorer.
There is another heavy asset that we have discovered during the last year, however. The USS T'Mir has intercepted footage of a modified Jaldun, which has had an additional combat module added to it, and larger nacelles, a heavier-hitting, faster ship known as a Kaldar. We are distributing an advisory to the fleet that the Kaldar is to be avoided by all ships below an Excelsior.
Starfleet Intelligence would like to note that we have also come by progress images of a Kaldar nearing completion which has an additional module attached. This module does not appear to be of Carassian manufacture, and its nature and purpose are currently a matter of speculation. We are in consultation with the Office of Naval Architecture and Tactical Command's Tiger Team to attempt to answer this matter.
For Escorts, the Cardassians maintain a pair of old designs, but the bulk of their escorts are part of a family of vessels known as the Takaaki-class, all very well protected for their size. There is a science variant, a high-speed diplomat variant, and a pure combat variant. The pure combat variant is believed to maintain equivalent firepower to a Jaldun, though with less speed and protection.
For rough fleet numbers we have the following estimates:
10~12 Jaldun destroyer
2~6 Kaldar destroyer
0~1 Lorgot battlecruiser
15~20 Escorts, of which a quarter are believed to be old designs, and a quarter the new heavy combatant.
Independent civilian shipping is effectively unknown, however, the state itself operates a significant merchant marine.
Caitian-Dawiar War Progress Report
As of yet, no major fleet action has been committed to. We believe the Dawiar are hoping to fight a counter-offensive campaign, however the Caitian have been awaiting the return of the Shrr'harr before committing to proper offensive operations. Instead much of the fighting has revolved around inconclusive encounters in an area of space that forms a cube-like shape defined by Oriolis II, the Dawiar colony of Oldan-Tar, and the Caitian worlds of Ollasa IV and Yashrr. The Caitians have lost an old Swarmer in exchange for a Shakakoun, and a number of escorts on either side have sustained damage. Our information suggests that the Caitians are looking to take Oldan-Tar once the Shrr'harr returns, with a view to cutting off Oriolis II from its remaining colonies. As it stands, the outpost protecting Oldan-Tar was destroyed in a sharp raid executed by the Fathership Horfa.
Outside of this area, a number of ships on both sides are attempting to raid shipping to starve their opposition of resources. The Dawiar are doing this most aggressively, perhaps recognising the industrial disparity that exists despite their very productive natures. Ships from other parties have been targeted, even in Federation space, if their course directs them towards Caitian destination.
In combat, it appears the advanced Torpedoes combined with the crude but sturdy designs of the Dawiar are allowing them to hold their own for the time being.
Total War Losses to Date
Caitians
1 Mishir-class Modern Swarmer
2 N'Kara-class Old Swarmers
4 Cargo Ships
2 Freighters
1 Prospector
Dwaiar
4 Shakakoun-class Escorts
1 Small Outpost
3 Cargo Ships
1 Freighter
Klingon Diplomatic Posture Report
There is a peculiar sense of inevitability being observed by our embassy to the Klingons that war with the Romulans will come, if not this decade, then next decade. There seems to be a lull less related to an inclination to war between either side and more related to the Klingons finishing off their new-era Bird of Prey design while the Romulans finish their D7-replacement cruiser project. To the extent that the Federation is being considered, our preoccupation with the Cardassian threat is being seen as reassuring. No one expects an intervention by the Federation, but the possibility is never discounted by warriors.
USS Polaris Incident Report
The action at Oriolis II between the Polaris and the Dryad with the Dawiar defence forces has been pored over intensely since the incident. Publicly this took the form of a board of inquiry that found the captain not to be culpable for the loss of the ship. Starfleet Intelligence's follow-up analysis has led us to concur with this outcome.
It is the opinion of our analysts, based on a number of available sources, that we fell afoul of an unexpected cultural norm. This has been confirmed most recently with the surprising release of our Ambassadorial team into the possession of the Qloath as a third-party. Ambassador Sarek met with the freed Ambassador, who was at pains to point out they were well-treated during their time with the Dawiar. Apparently it is customary in Dawiar culture that if negotiations hit an impasse on a particular point, combat should follow between the champions of the two two diplomats; in this case, the Polaris and the flagship of the Dawiar. However, when the Dawiar opened fire after delivering the traditional address, the Dryad joined the engagement and everything from there, if you will pardon the colloquial, went to hell in a hand-basket from there.
Seemingly the lack of a declaration of war from the Dawiar to the Federation had less to do with their appraisal of our relative sizes and more to do with the quick diplomatic work of Ambassador Collins, who explained the matter. However, by that stage, the Caitian declaration of war had left the Dawiar in a position where it was time to take up arms.
The roots of the conflict between the Caitian and the Dawiar lie in the matter of contested prospecting and the very close borders between the two warring powers. The Caitians were more successful in pushing their claims, taking the two systems of Yashrr and Mar'shrr on either side of Ollasa. In addition to being a prize Class M world, Yashrr III also contains rich duranium deposits, and the system contains other valuable minerals. Losing out to Caitian expansion was a dire sore point with the Dawiar, especially as it offered a chance to counter-balance the exposed nature of their homeworld.
Romulan Diplomatic Posture Report
Much like the Klingons, the Romulans are preparing for a war, and simply keeping an eye out for the most advantageous position at which one could be launched. Notoriously isolationist, they have few allies with which to call upon. We have no embassy within Romulan space as of yet, though the Federation is on the verge of accomplishing this, which will be a momentous occasion, so our information is still coming to us by way of signal intercepts and media analysis. A number of border skirmishes have led to damaged ships and stations, but as yet little concrete results. When war comes, however, it may be savage and long-lasting in its scope.
Cardassian Diplomatic Posture Report
The Cardassians seem to be taking a high-pressure, belligerent approach to their diplomacy. Neutral nations are being left with limited options but to take sides in the matter. The Seyek are thus far the most successful that we know of in resisting this measure. This approach combined with attempts to undermine the symbols of security offered by the Federation appear to be directed towards offering a choice between the possibly unpalatable but concrete offer of client statehood to the Cardassians, or a "too good to be true" offer from the Federation. Attempts to undermine the Federation's image push this impression that we are "selling a pipe dream", and that it is better to take the option of a demanding but powerful patron rather than take on the option of a Federation that will not intervene, such as in the Caitian-Dawiar war.
Yrillian Diplomatic Posture Report
The Yrillians are thus far maintaining a neutral line and showing little interest in deepening ties with the Federation. The central government at Ethur II is not strong, and their ability to keep the Yrillian colonies in line is nominal at times. However, there are troubling reports coming our way that suggest that the Cardassians have located the Yrillians and are extending diplomatic overtures towards them.
=====
Starfleet Shipyard Operations Command Report
From: Captain Alejandro Suarez, Superintendent, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Berth B
To: Admiral Vitalia Yukiko Kahurangi, Starfleet Command; Rear Admiral Patricia Chen, Director, Utopia Planitia Shipyards; Vice Admiral Valentina Sousa, Shipyard Operations Command
Subject: Certificate of Completion
To Whom It May Concern,
As per Starfleet Regulations IV-12 (a), as Superintendent of this Shipyard Berth, I herein certify that the project under my command, namely the repair of the CSS Shrr'Harr (Nirfari-class Fathership, Caitian Registry CN-558) is complete, assessed, and ready to be returned to the Caitian Fleet.
Sincerely,
Captain Suarez
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- Location
- Australia
Phew, that took a bit.
Massgamer
Advance toward the Future
- Location
- The Future
Send in the Enterprise, expect things to go wildly out of control, and yet somehow at the end of it the crew of the ship saves the day with everything being better than before by the end of it?
Derek58
Rocket Punch is Best Punch
- Location
- Getter Valhalla
Oh nice!
- Location
- madison
HA! I totally called it! This is good for us, if we can get the Caitian to reopen negotiations we might be able to work out a peaceful solution.
also the enterprise would be perfect for this, since they kind are our champion.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
...Pretty much.
Or hey, have another diplomatic empasse with an actual Champion.
Do we have a psychological report on the Dewair?
Night_stalker
Slava Ukraini!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
But there's no female leader to easily seduce.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
Trial by champion.
Nash is our Kirk, so he should be able to fistfight anyone, yes?
Night_stalker
Slava Ukraini!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
With or wiTrial by champion.
Nash is our Kirk, so he should be able to fistfight anyone, yes?
Ooooh, this isn't the ship with the female CO. NVM, my old objection is gone. Though orbital phaser strikes are probably not in the rules...
Finagle007
[Verified Great Old One]
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Hopefully we'll be able to locate Cardassia Prime and/or Bajor next year. Cardassia Prime because knowing the location of their homeworld and capital is always a good thing; Bajor for obvious reasons.
- Location
- Philippines
SOMEHOW I am thinking that Section 31 has already plans for a Cardassians ala Generalplan Ost 
- Location
- Central Standard Time
Trial by champion.
Nash is our Kirk, so he should be able to fistfight anyone, yes?
IDK, Rosalee's Personal Combat bonus is starting to look pretty good.
See, this is why we should have assigned her to a FYM ship. How does appointing her as an attaché sound?
lbmaian
a thirsty squirrel
- Location
- USA
Er, this is the exact same as the 2307.Q4 intelligence report. While it's conceivable that the Klingon and Romulan border situation hasn't changed at all, that initial report about discovering Cardassian colonies again doesn't make sense.
edit: the Amarkian membership ratification too
Even besting the Constitution-A (or other token explorer)? That doesn't bode well.
Now this is truly disturbing. Best care scenario, it's something developed by a client state we haven't recognized yet. Worst case scenario, the Cardassians are fucking around with something they don't understand. Something that's bad for both us and them.
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Whelp, there we go. Between them, the Indorians, and the Apiatans we'll have a lot of closely integrating affiliates coming up. (Assuming the Indorians are up for it.)
I think that was left over from last year.
Well, that could be worse but it could also be better. By comparison Starfleet has:
17 Escorts (Mirandas and Centaurs and Oberths)
7 Constellations
1 Constitution-A
8 Excelsiors
Pretty comparable once you consider the strength differences between the classes, with maybe a slight overall advantage to the Cardassians. However that doesn't count the Federation's Home Fleets, which are a whole second fleet lurking below the surface.
But yes, we spit out some cruisers that can handle those Jalduns, and we'll be in a much better position. Just one thing worries me....
Who gave them that module and what does it do?!
Glad no one is expecting our intervention, exactly. What a poor reason for war, though. "We finished some new ship designs! So, uh, a war I guess."
So it's not just a cultural screw-up. Ultimately the war comes down to real tensions over resources. But hey, if the Dawiar are really concerned about duranium didn't we find another deposit they might be interested in?
Why yes, yes we did. The pieces are definitely coming together for a diplomatic solution. While we as players may not be asked for an explicit plan on this, it's satisfying to see if come together from the narrative.
On the one hand, you hate to see the loss of life. On the other hand, at least it'll keep both sides occupied. On the gripping hand, a war that is savage and long-lasting has a way of dragging the neighbors in no matter what anyone else wants. This is not a good thing, but we really have no ability to stop it.
Well now. I'd like to remind everyone that while we only have the limited tool of the diplomatic push, just by asking for and getting this information we have affected events. Sulu is probably a lot more likely to send an Explorer or two up that way to poke around, and the Federation Diplomatic service may take up the challenge. We'll see what pops out of the next round of Captain's Logs and if this information is acted upon.
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Derek58
Rocket Punch is Best Punch
- Location
- Getter Valhalla
Yup, Nash and the Enterprise found one in the Captain's Log before this most recent one.
I'd have no problem letting the Dawiar have it if it helps resolve things peacefully.
2308.Q4 - The Rat Race
- Location
- Australia
Starfleet Personnel - Promotions Board
2308.Q4
Highlighted Officer's Summary
Promoted to Lieutenant
None
Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander
None
Promoted to Commander
Alexandria Kuznetsova - Assigned to Starfleet Tactical Analysis Group
Anne Usha - Assigned to Chief, Future Design Trends, Office of Naval Architecture, Ship Design Bureau
Promoted to Captain
Saavik - Pending reassignment
Promoted to Commodore
None
Promoted to Rear Admiral
Trinnarv Xursh - Assigned to Director, Shipyard Support Command
Leonard McCoy - Assigned to Starfleet Surgeon-General
T'Faer - Assigned to Director, Starfleet Logistics Command
Promoted to Vice Admiral
None
Retirements
None
Key Reassignments
Commodore Rachel Ainsworth - Director, Battle Review Division, Starfleet Tactical Command
Changes to Explorer Panel of Captains
Out: None
In: Saavik (Promotion)
Placed on Sabbatical/Convalescent Leave
None
Apinae Sector
Apinae
Indoria
Klingon Border Zone
Caldonia
===============
Starfleet Shipyard Operations Construction Update
Admiral,
As per the construction plan approved at the beginning of 2307, the following ships are deducting their crews:
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2104) @ San Francisco Fleet Yards Berth 1 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2105) @ San Francisco Fleet Yards Berth 2 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2106) @ 40 Eridani A Berth 1 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2107) @ 40 Eridani A Berth 2 - ETC 2309.Q4
This has required 4 units of Officers, 8 Units of Enlisted personnel, and 8 units of Technicians.
Respectfully,
Vice Admiral Sousa
Director, Starfleet Shipyard Operations
2308.Q4
Highlighted Officer's Summary
Promoted to Lieutenant
None
Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander
None
Promoted to Commander
Alexandria Kuznetsova - Assigned to Starfleet Tactical Analysis Group
Anne Usha - Assigned to Chief, Future Design Trends, Office of Naval Architecture, Ship Design Bureau
Promoted to Captain
Saavik - Pending reassignment
Promoted to Commodore
None
Promoted to Rear Admiral
Trinnarv Xursh - Assigned to Director, Shipyard Support Command
Leonard McCoy - Assigned to Starfleet Surgeon-General
T'Faer - Assigned to Director, Starfleet Logistics Command
Promoted to Vice Admiral
None
Retirements
None
Key Reassignments
Commodore Rachel Ainsworth - Director, Battle Review Division, Starfleet Tactical Command
Changes to Explorer Panel of Captains
Out: None
In: Saavik (Promotion)
Placed on Sabbatical/Convalescent Leave
None
Apinae Sector
Apinae
- Provides: 20br, 15sr, 5rp, 5pp, 0.0 Officer, 0.8 Enlisted, 0.2 Tech
- Requires: D0
- Installations: High Comb Station [Starbase I], Grand Hive of the Apiata@Apinae(1 x 2.5mt berth, 4 x 600kt berth)
- Local Currently: 1 Queenship, 4 Little Queenships, 19 Escorts (Stingers/Foragers)
- Requires: D0
- Installations: High Comb Station [Starbase I], Grand Hive of the Apiata@Apinae(1 x 2.5mt berth, 4 x 600kt berth)
- Local Currently: 1 Queenship, 4 Little Queenships, 19 Escorts (Stingers/Foragers)
Indoria
- Provides: 10br, 5sr, 2rp, 2pp, 0.1 Officer, 0.2 Enlisted, 0.1 Tech
- Requires: D0
- Installations: Indoria Station [Outpost I], Indoria Drive Yard@Indoria(1 x 2.5mt berth, 1 x 1500kt berth)
- Local Currently: 3 Cruisers, 6 Escorts
- Requires: D0
- Installations: Indoria Station [Outpost I], Indoria Drive Yard@Indoria(1 x 2.5mt berth, 1 x 1500kt berth)
- Local Currently: 3 Cruisers, 6 Escorts
Klingon Border Zone
Caldonia
- Provides: 10br, 5sr, 5rp, 2pp, 0.1 Officer, 0.1 Enlisted, 0.2 Tech
- Requires: D0
- Installations: Caldonia Station [Outpost I], Caldonian Government Shipyard@Caldonia(1 x 1.5mt berth, 1 x 1000kt berth)
- Local Currently: 3 Science Cruisers, 5 Caldonian Escorts
- Requires: D0
- Installations: Caldonia Station [Outpost I], Caldonian Government Shipyard@Caldonia(1 x 1.5mt berth, 1 x 1000kt berth)
- Local Currently: 3 Science Cruisers, 5 Caldonian Escorts
===============
Starfleet Shipyard Operations Construction Update
Admiral,
As per the construction plan approved at the beginning of 2307, the following ships are deducting their crews:
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2104) @ San Francisco Fleet Yards Berth 1 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2105) @ San Francisco Fleet Yards Berth 2 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2106) @ 40 Eridani A Berth 1 - ETC 2309.Q4
Centaur-A (Build Order NCC-2107) @ 40 Eridani A Berth 2 - ETC 2309.Q4
This has required 4 units of Officers, 8 Units of Enlisted personnel, and 8 units of Technicians.
Respectfully,
Vice Admiral Sousa
Director, Starfleet Shipyard Operations
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Derek58
Rocket Punch is Best Punch
- Location
- Getter Valhalla
Last edited:
- Location
- Australia
Sorry, that was actually meant to be deleted outright because of the expansion of the other parts.
0.8 Enlisted from an Affiliate? The Apiata are just eager to dump all their "defective drones" into Starfleet, aren't they?