Boldy Going Forward ‘Cos We Can’t Find Reverse - A Birth of the Federation Mini-AAR

[nodikus]

Our 'diplomatic goodwill tour' aside, we really should try to gain a military alliance ( or what ever treaty let's us use thier planets an outposts to extend range) with the Romulans, It would greatly facilitate scouting. As ever, Risa would make an excellent buffer/staging area once its fortified.

 

[Antilogic]

He'll probably just point out the obvious a lot.

For the Romulans, I'm going to try and keep them on our side, possibly as far as getting them into a more solid partnership.

...

The good thing is our military strength beats both the Romulans and Dominion combined. This may be important, as they've signed a non-aggression pact between them, which means at any moment they might join forces against us. BotF is funny like that. Given I haven't seen any acts of espionage against us, I'll weaken our own intelligence forces to give a boost to science - I want to upgrade out outposts in advance of any possible war. We're doing well with getting Risa to become a member, and if we colonise those two worlds in the top-left of Federation space we might be able to 'hop over' Romulan space into that expanse in the far left.

Antilogic, you are now officially the Foreign Minister of the Federation. Keeping the peace is up to you

In BotF, unless you consistently cave to the ridiculous demands of the foreign powers, they all sign alliances against you. I'm assuming we are on Hard or Impossible difficulty as well, which seems to accelerate the process.

As foreign minister, I'd recommend accepting a small demand (like conceding empty territory, or 1000 credits) from the Romulans and then leveraging that into a trading agreement, so we can see all their planets, etc. and start boosting our fleet maintenance income (where is the strike-through text when you need it?). War with the Dominion appears inevitable, so we might as well fight them one-on-one when the time comes instead of giving them an ally.

Current project: get those Vulcans in our Federation before their fleet is destroyed!

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

In BotF, unless you consistently cave to the ridiculous demands of the foreign powers, they all sign alliances against you. I'm assuming we are on Hard or Impossible difficulty as well, which seems to accelerate the process.

I think we're just on normal for now. This is pretty much the first proper game of BotF I've played in years.

But yeah, I'm simply going give the Romulans credits when they demand it. It's a ridiculous thing about the diplomacy in this game, but it has to be done unless you want the entire galaxy against you.

As foreign minister, I'd recommend accepting a small demand (like conceding empty territory, or 1000 credits) from the Romulans and then leveraging that into a trading agreement, so we can see all their planets, etc. and start boosting our fleet maintenance income (where is the strike-through text when you need it?). War with the Dominion appears inevitable, so we might as well fight them one-on-one when the time comes instead of giving them an ally.

We're pretty much in full agreement. You're like the Anthony Eden to my Churchill

Current project: get those Vulcans in our Federation before their fleet is destroyed!

I have a horrid feeling that, when the war comes and we achieve victory, we're going to find a Vulcan homeworld subjugated and beaten down. They shall be regarded as heroes.

 

[The Magic Hobo]

I have a horrid feeling that, when the war comes and we achieve victory, we're going to find a Vulcan homeworld subjugated and beaten down. They shall be regarded as heroes.

Well to avenge these war-mongering Vulcans I will take the burden upon myself to lay waste to every dominion soldier, citizen, and leader with my own dirty drunken hands.

How soon is the war? I want to let the caterers know when the victory party starts.

 

[Antilogic]

Well to avenge these war-mongering Vulcans I will take the burden upon myself to lay waste to every dominion soldier, citizen, and leader with my own dirty drunken hands.

How soon is the war? I want to let the caterers know when the victory party starts.

Victory will be a long way off. We have to conquer slowly to give our people time to recover their lost morale from all our glorious victories.

Yeah, the Federation doesn't make much sense.

On the other hand, do we have Spaceports or Planetary Administrations built on most of our worlds? If so, then we can start conquering planets (since they add morale each turn, it counteracts the 5-10 penalty we get for each conquest).

 

[The Magic Hobo]

"Recover from victory?'
"Number one does that make sense to you?"
"Yes sir our people need time to soak in victory before summoning the will to go on and win more while they sit on their behind eating bonbons."
"Bonbons?"
"Space bonbons sir, very good."
"I haven't had solid food in years, and I certainly won't start now."
"What do you acquire nutrition from then sir?"
"Rubbing alcohol. Anyway those lazy Bonbon eating, couch drooping, peace loving, hippies just better be glad I only vaporized Canada and Australia."
"Yes sir."
"Anyway fire on that transport ship."
"Sir that's one of ours."
"And?"
"Firing sir."

 

[Synobun]

Any chance I can get in on this? I'd consider myself a pretty avid Star Trek fan and BotF used to be one of my favourite games.

Any position would be cool if possible.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Anyone who comments automatically becomes part of the Federation Council, so you were added the other day. Feel free to switch to Starfleet or create a position for yourself (see post #2)

 

[Synobun]

Ah

I'll stay on the council for now until a new ship I like comes around.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Boldy Going Forward ‘Cos We Can’t Find Reverse - A Birth of the Federation Mini-AAR

Meeting the Romulans meant a sudden change of policy for the Federation. Expansion projects were now limited, and there was the possibility of a new rival, or a new ally, for the Federation. The Dominion quickly realised this as well, and expended a lot of effort in getting the Romulans on their side.

The announcement was not the end of the world for the Federation - it merely meant the Dominion and Romulans had begun trading freely between their worlds. There was still hope that an agreement could be reached with the Romulans.

In the meanwhile, it was in Starfleet that defence rested. The quadruple-engined Constellation-class starship was developed. It was essentially a more heavily armoured Constitution-class vessel, rendering it perfect for defending the frontier. At the same time the Andorians had upgraded their own powerful warships, developing a replacement that had twice the firepower of almost any other Starfleet vessel. A fleet began construction, comprised of these two vessel types, at Andor and T’Lani. It was believed such a fleet would prove an adequate force on the Romulan border.

Static defences were not ignored. Orbital weapon platforms were deployed around key planets, while outposts across Federation space were upgraded with better weapon and shield systems. They would not be an effective defence against a dedicated enemy fleet, but they could threaten enough damage deter all but the most determined attacker.

The military upgrades, coming in so quickly, lowered the tension as relations with the Dominion continued to deteriorate. Events were coming to a head…

Starfleet Mission Order 526A
To Nodikus

Nodikus, you are hereby relieved of all immediate duties and are to immediately transfer to the Constellation-class USS Cosmos, assuming command of that vessel on arrival. You will await the completion of all further vessels for the ‘Risan Taskforce’, assume control and proceed to the Risan sector. Your orders are to patrol the Romulan border.

Starfleet Mission Order 527A
To Captain2 II

Captain2, II, you are hereby relieved of all immediate duties and are to immediately transfer to the Constitution-class USS Enterprise, assuming command of that vessel on arrival. You will assume control of the Tanugan Task Force and shall begin patrolling the Tanugan sector.

Starfleet General Mission Order 67A

All Starfleet commanders are to be prepared for a possible Dominion surprise attack. Consider all Dominion vessels in Federation space as hostile, permission is granted to drive them out of Federation territory utilising any methods necessary.

 

[Jos Ballenbak]

Captain Jos, this just came in from HQ:

Starfleet General Mission Order 67A

All Starfleet commanders are to be prepared for a possible Dominion surprise attack. Consider all Dominion vessels in Federation space as hostile, permission is granted to drive them out of Federation territory utilising any methods necessary.

-Are all preparations ready?
Yes sir, we have installed anti-zombie packs around the ship, and the ship is covered with a layer of all sorts of gore for maximum cloaking. We also changed the main attacking weapons with a massive shotgun and chainsaw.
-Very good, now let's chew some bubblegum and kick ass.
Sir, I must insist in letting you know there is no such thing as zombies... and we'd better be repla....
-Oh I'm sorry did I interrupt your little monologue, but everything that isn't human is a zombie in my book, so you better be ready with Evil Dead 2 training for your own sake.

 

[Synobun]

Can we get an updated map view? Or is it still the same?

If it's the same, I suggest you invest in pushing some territory between the Romulans and Dominion so that they cannot transfer ships between themselves.

With that said, it might be a prudent move to begin making moves on the Dominion before they become fully allied with the Romulans. We don't know very much about them, they could very well be in the same alley as the Dominion!

(I find it kind of funny that the Dominion and the Romulans are becoming friends. Seems to be going quite well along with the actual storyline)

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Can we get an updated map view? Or is it still the same?

If it's the same, I suggest you invest in pushing some territory between the Romulans and Dominion so that they cannot transfer ships between themselves.

Pretty much the same.

I like this plan, will bring it up in a moment. Such an endeavor will be incredibly risky, and will leave us with an incredibly vulnerable group of systems.

(I find it kind of funny that the Dominion and the Romulans are becoming friends. Seems to be going quite well along with the actual storyline)

I suppose assassinating an ambassador isn't out of the question yet.

 

[Synobun]

Risky, true, however if successful it would provide a small sense of security and also potentially open a second window of attack if it really dissolves into war or skirmishes. If otherwise not possible, an outpost or two between them would at least give your sensors a nice peak at what is going on and potentially intercept a few small fleets (I seem to remember AI not noticing outposts while they move about, might be the same with a modded version).

 

[nodikus]

USS Cosmos - Risa

Assumed command of Risan Sector as ordered, will monitor for Romulan vessels. It's not like they have some sort of stealth Technology right? Will also continue to spend time on Risa copnducting diplomatic affairs.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Interlude 3
Paradise Lost

The Federation Council Building

The Council building was packed with representatives from across the Federation. The Federation President, elected councillors, ambassadors from Andor, T’Lani, Tanuga and the colonies, Starfleet leadership and selected visitors. All had come despite how sudden the meeting had been called. It was an emergency session. Despite this, following the opening announcement by the President describing events, the entire chamber was silent.

The Dominion had cancelled the non-aggression pact and had severed ties with the Federation. War had not been declared, but given the hostile relations between the two it was only a matter of time.

“This session has been summoned to decide on our immediate future,” President Kan broke the silence. “Do we commit to the ideals of the Federation and attempt to reconcile with our neighbours, or do we accept nothing can be done when dealing with such a hostile people?”
“To hell with our ideals!” Cardgame said. “The Dominion are dedicated to conquest and subjection of its enemies. It is Starfleet’s duty to liberate these people,”
“And in doing so we show ourselves to be the aggressive power.” Antilogic said. He looked tired, having only just arrived at Earth after a long journey from meeting the Romulans. “In doing so we give the Romulans a justification in joining the Dominion and attacking us.”
“Starfleet can handle it.” Cardgame growled. “Our fleets outnumber both the Dominion and Romulans combined.”​

“There is a third option.” d.highland, a relative newcomer to the council spoke. “We make amends - keep the Dominion in our good books while continuing our policy of friendship with the Romulans. Expand between their territories to prevent any military collaborations between them.”
“Ridiculous.” Cardgame said. “A region of territory between two potential enemies, and you want to colonise it? We could focus our resources into additional fleets instead.”​

The debate continued for many hours, with dozens of voices putting forward suggestions and viewpoints. The future of the Federation came down to a single vote:

Choose Your Own Adventure Time
Cardgame, Antilogic, Thrawn, Matt0088 and d.highland may each vote one of the following:

1. We strike first, and strike in force. Hit the Dominion outposts and fleets on the border.
2. We hold back. Let the Dominion come to us, if they dare.
3. Placate them for now, and focus on expansion efforts to the ‘south-west’

24 hour deadline, or until we have an unanimous vote. In the event of a tie-breaker the President will make the decision.


Quiet note: I wrote characters based on what I've read from you so far. Don't feel you have to vote based on how I wrote you.

 

[Synobun]

Councillor d.highland stands from his seat, and then said, "Why not a mix of offence and expansion? We could collaborate with some of the rogue groups in our territory for some advice on guerrilla tactics, and then form a couple teams to hit Dominion patrols and outposts. Weaken their hold on themselves, so to speak.

While this goes on, we can begin to set up an interception team for between Romulan and Dominion space. If colonization appears to be impossible due to the risks, we can at least prevent the two from amassing their fleets together or expanding between each other." He took his seat.

(So yeah, I pick a mix between 1 and 3. If I have to pick just one though, I'll go with 1.)

 

[The Magic Hobo]

"Number One is the recorder on?"
"I think so let me just.."
The recorder comes to life. "Oh john ah-yeah, there yes, Yes, YEEEEEEEEEES.."
Number one quickly smashes the stop button as the crew on the bridge laughs.
"Number One remind me why I haven't killed you in a delirious drunken rage?"
"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."
"Just start the recorder."
Number one starts the recorder and TMH speaks, "Ladies, gentlemen, and transvestites of the council I urge you to forget the politics and bickering and realize that BOTH the Dominion and the Romulans are hostile to us. The Dominion is about to declare war and have cut all diplomatic channels to us. The Romulans have been drifting towards the Dominion side despite our intense diplomatic missions. So I tell you now, councilors, we should strike as soon as possible not at the Dominion alone but also the Romulans as they may attack us at any moment. The Federation cannot have peace while there are civilizations that refuse to join us. I will have destroyed something by the next two days I assure you."
"That all sir?"
"Yeah now give me that recorder, I'll have to review a few things on here tonight..."

 

[Dell19]

Do the federation get a morale bonus for being declared war on or am I making that up?

 

[Antilogic]

Weary from both his long trips along the border worlds and long nights of secret off-the-record correspondence that you totes don't know about despite reading it here, the foreign minister stands and outlines his policy:

"It is far more wise to use the Dominion's aggressive behavior against them. Why bother trying to sell a hard offensive war to the public when they will gladly offer us a just cause? Starfleet is on alert for intrusions, and unless the Dominion begins using cloaking technology we will fight with the advantage of nearby outposts for supplies and fire support. Any and all warships near the core worlds need to be mobilized and relocated to the Dominion border immediately."

"Which brings me to my next point: isolating the Dominion should be our top diplomatic priority. Two goals can be set in this regard: securing an alliance with the Romulans and ensuring they know the true nature of the Dominion, and securing an alliance with the Vulcans, who are already engaged in a life-or-death fight against the Dominion. This situation places the Dominion in a possible three-front war instead of ourselves in a two-front war, and is infinitely preferable."

"Finally, as a show of our good faith, we should aid the Romulans in securing their borders with the Dominion by establishing a fortified outpost in the three-powers region and offering the Romulans full-access. Military expeditions in this region can also identify any resource-rich systems for colonization."

Antilogic votes for 2, and rules out 3 only because he refuses to give tribute to the Dominion. There will likely be a war within 6 months any way, 1 and 2 are effectively the same except 2 gives us the high ground.



EDIT:

Do the federation get a morale bonus for being declared war on or am I making that up?

I forget. There is a huge penalty if the Federation declares war, it is either less or non-existent if war is declared on them.