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

[Captain2]

Captain Captain2 II sits on the bridge on his new ship, the USS Enterprise, watching as his crew scuttle to their positions he presses the comm button.

"Maniacal. Report to the Enterprise. I need you to load my crate of shirts into the cargo bay"

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Midnight. The Federation Council chambers lay empty, except for a lone janitor who was quietly mopping up the floor around him.

Suddenly the viewscreen at the front of the room roared to life. The janitor fell back in shock, collapsing on the floor as a visual of the haggardly, unkempt face of The Magic Hobo appeared.

"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."​

The transmission cut off as soon as the captain finished talking. The janitor lay on the floor, still for a few moments, taking in what he saw. Slowly he stood up, straightened his uniform and saluted to the quiet screen.

"Aye aye sir. Aye aye."​

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Ah bloody hell guys, all at once there. Brilliant work with the RP

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

I don't recall. We certainly get a hit for declaring war - but we're not actually declaring war right now. We're allowed to attack them without that formality.

 

[Antilogic]

Ah bloody hell guys, all at once there. Brilliant work with the RP



I don't recall. We certainly get a hit for declaring war - but we're not actually declaring war right now. We're allowed to attack them without that formality.

Think of it like a US president ordering troops into a clearly hostile nation without a formal declaration from Congress.

 

[The Magic Hobo]

Midnight. The Federation Council chambers lay empty, except for a lone janitor who was quietly mopping up the floor around him.

Suddenly the viewscreen at the front of the room roared to life. The janitor fell back in shock, collapsing on the floor as a visual of the haggardly, unkempt face of The Magic Hobo appeared.

"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."​

The transmission cut off as soon as the captain finished talking. The janitor lay on the floor, still for a few moments, taking in what he saw. Slowly he stood up, straightened his uniform and saluted to the quiet screen.

"Aye aye sir. Aye aye."​

"Captain who do you think got our ultimatum?"
"Probably the President himself I expect a reply any day now."
"Uh yeah sir I'm sure."
"Now let me go back to examining your love life which you have conveniently kept a steamy record of on this recorder."
"*sigh* Yes, sir."

OOC: I couldn't have loved it more!

 

[Synobun]

( Any update coming up? You've gotta get one in before the end of the world (again) tomorrow )

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

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

The Federation Council was deadlocked. Or more accurately it was unable to make a decision, with most members not voting. To launch an attack on the Dominion made the most sense, but it meant betraying the principles of Starfleet. The President stepped in - the Federation was founded on peaceful expansion and co-operation. If there was to be a war, it would be the Dominion who would instigate it.

Quietly however, this was just another delaying tactic before the inevitable conflict. The last of the major fleets were to be completed, the last available star systems were to be colonised, the current worlds to be brought to maximum efficiency. There’s no point in waging a war at half-strength.

The disappointing survey mission

Severe weight was given to d.highland’s suggestion of colonising the region of space between Romulan and Dominion territories, but it was to come to nothing. A Starfleet scoutship capable of long-range expeditions discovered the region was largely empty, useful for nothing more than a few deep-space outposts.

Thankfully, such news was tempered by a new agreement with the Romulans, who suggested to extend the non-aggression pact for an indefinite period. It was a solid foundation to build an alliance.

Disaster on Mercury

The fifth year of the Federation’s existence opened with horrific events in the Sol system itself, from a threat quite unavoidable. In February of that year a comet, missed by all tracking devices, struck Mercury. Despite the swift efforts of Rub’Rum and the Home Fleet there was nothing that could be done. The Hermes Colony, with all 35 million inhabitants, was lost.

The disaster was not helped by the actions of the Dominion, whose agents were at last discovered in Federation territory. At Rasalhague two farming complexes were destroyed by Dominion saboteurs, while Changelings were discovered in the Sol system, attempting to destroy the Romulan embassy under the guise of Starfleet personnel.

Enough was enough and, under permission from an exasperated President, Starfleet began reviewing plans for a first-strike scenario. The USS Onizuka B, a Centaur-class starship under the command of Maniacal II, carefully made its way into the edges of Dominion territory to scan their border defences. The results were not pretty.

Probably just fleet manoeuvres.

Over 40 vessels, each comparable to any Starfleet vessel, were gathered within striking distance of Federation space. Concentrated as they were, they could overwhelm any of the Starfleet border defences and conquer - or eradicate - the population of the star system. They could respond to any ‘first-strike’ or, indeed, any strike by Starfleet vessels with ease.

There was more discouraging news to come at virtually the same time. At the Federation embassy on Romulas, Antilogic was summoned to a ‘high-security’ meeting with the Romulan Minister of Foreign Affairs. This was an extraordinarily rare event, and could only mean that, on the eve of war with the Dominion, the Romulans were about to shift the galactic balance of power one way or another...

 

[Rub'Rum]

"I guess going in circles around the home planets to defend them was too jarring compared to going in straight lines, and I failed this mission."
*goes to advanced high-speed post-traumatic therapy*

"Now had that comet been a Dominion ship, it would have been a different story. They will know the meaning of high-speed defense reaction and being blown to smithereens"

 

[nodikus]

That comet probably was a dominion ship It would help explain why it wasn't detected.

How fesable would it be for a task force to be sent into dominion space and pull part of that fleet on a wild goose chase. Probably depends on the result of the meeting with the Romulan minister.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Interlude 4
Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges


Antilogic arrived at the Romulan Senate building promptly, but without rush - there was no reason to make it obvious to the Romulan leadership the nerves he felt. His suit was immaculate, his appearance well-kempt - he even managed a confident gait as he strode through the doors of the massive building. Being the leader of Federation foreign affairs was as much about appearance as it was about negotiation. He reminded himself to maintain this façade when leaving, regardless of what was about to happen in the meeting - for all he knew he would be leaving with a mission to inform the Federation president war had begun against the Romulans and the Dominion.

For that was how it appeared. Dominion intelligence were hitting the Federation. The Mercury tragedy. The discovery of the Dominion fleet. War was about to occur, and the Romulans were clearly ready to join the winning side. If they knew what Starfleet knew - and they surely did - Antilogic was in for a difficult meeting.

The Romulan Senate

The minister was ushered deep into the Senate Building, far beyond any part of the building he had seen before. He immediately took it to be a mistake, then, when he was guided into the senate chamber itself. A circular room, with rows of chairs surrounding a central speaking area, currently occupied by a single table filled with various food and drinks, and standing at one end was the Romulan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Mandukar. His counterpart in foreign affairs smiled - one of those welcoming, yet somehow sinister smiles Romulans were so good at - and waved a welcoming hand to sit with him.

As Antilogic walked down the steps to meet with the minister, he became aware of another presence in the room. Seated midway up, silent and staring intently at him, was another Romulan. For one moment Antilogic lost his cool and almost stumbled down the step in front of him - the third party was non other than the Praetor, leader of the Romulan Star Empire!

“Welcome, minister. May I pour you some of our ale?” the Romulan foreign minister said.
“Thank you,” Antilogic suppressed a grimace. He had drunk enough Romulan Ale at functions to last him a lifetime.
“Please sit, and try not to look so nervous.” Mandukar failed to suppress a knowing smile. “I realise bringing you in here without much information must be galling.”
“If I knew what romulans were thinking then, well,” Antilogic smiled, “I’d be a romulan myself.”
Minister Mandukar smiled at that. Antilogic took a long sip of the Romulan Ale, ignored the fire it ignited in his chest, and place the glass down. He pretended not to notice Mandukar smirking at him.
“The Dominion are the greatest power this galaxy has seen.” the Romulan minister said. “They control a vast region of space, wield fleets of powerful vessels and have an intelligence network far greater than any other power. Joining the Dominion means safety, power and influence.”
Antilogic said nothing. He made no movement. He hoped his tight grip wouldn’t shatter the glass. Mandukar stood up and put both hands on the table.
“The Romulan Star Empire will not join the Dominion.”​

Antilogic was quiet. He matched the Romulan minister’s stare, and watched as his counterpart sat back down and took a deep drink of his own ale.

“You’ll excuse me for wanting to clarify, minister.” Antilogic said, feeling more confident than he felt, “But what exactly are you suggesting?”
To his right, Antilogic noticed the Praetor stir. Mandukar paused for a moment, then said, “My dear minister, isn’t it obvious? The Dominion must be stopped. It is obvious your Federation has been preparing itself for a war against them, so why fight alone?”
“You’re suggesting-”
“I am offering,” the minister interrupted. “A war pact. The Romulans and the Federation shall go to war against the Dominion. No tricks, no subterfuge. We shall sign it here, together, and destroy the Dominion threat, so the galaxy may have peace!”​

Antilogic carefully lay back in his chair, and risked another sip of the ale…

Antilogic gets his Choose Your Own Adventure

1. The Federation accepts [War with the Dominion with a Romulan ally]
2. We cannot accept this. [No pact]
3. This is some Romulan trick! You shall pay! [War with the Romulans]

Spoiler :

Anyone who read through that, thank you for indulging me.

 

[Captain2]

Captain Captain2 II is cleaning up after dealing with the monster of the week aboard his ship, it appears to be a preying mantis that was accidentally shot into space in amongst the wiring of a satelite , Solar radiation had mutated it into near human size. This creature was accidentally beamed onboard the USS Enterpise during a malfunction with the teleporter and the Captain lured it into an escape pod and shot it into a nearby sun.

1 red shirt was lost, no officers.

 

[Synobun]

( Jeez. Didn't expect that from the Romulans. Though because there is no delay between the meeting and actual war declaration, it's quite possible the Dominion will hit us hard before we can get organized. I think it's a good idea to accept this though, might not get the chance again. )

 

[Antilogic]

Over 40 vessels, each comparable to any Starfleet vessel, were gathered within striking distance of Federation space. Concentrated as they were, they could overwhelm any of the Starfleet border defences and conquer - or eradicate - the population of the star system. They could respond to any ‘first-strike’ or, indeed, any strike by Starfleet vessels with ease.

Overall a decent enough update (at least we didn't get a climate shift, which is usually bad because it makes a good planet a barren one and permanently reduces the population cap), but seriously? I thought our military was stronger! Our spies are terrible!

Interlude 4
Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges

...

Antilogic gets his Choose Your Own Adventure

1. The Federation accepts [War with the Dominion with a Romulan ally]
2. We cannot accept this. [No pact]
3. This is some Romulan trick! You shall pay! [War with the Romulans]

"The Dominion will sooner have us subjugated to the Founders rather than treat us as equals. The Romulan Empire will have the full support of Starfleet and a formal declaration of war against the Dominion as soon as the President approves the treaty. In the meantime, I will appoint a military liaison to coordinate operations between our fleets."

Antilogic takes option 1.

OOC: It accomplishes my aims of isolating the Dominion, and we can spin the mobilization of the Dominion fleet as well as their attempts at sabotage as a casus belli. Besides, we are aiding our allies, what is more Federation than that? Finally, any military officers want to join the political crowd? We have an opening!

 

[Maniacal]

How the bloody hell do you colonize Mercury, little alone well enough for 35 million people to live there?

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

How the bloody hell do you colonize Mercury, little alone well enough for 35 million people to live there?

How the bloody hell do you achieve faster-than-light travel, site-to-site teleportation and the ability to travel through time by slingshotting around a sun?

When it comes to Star Trek 'science', Maniacal, pick your battles carefully.

 

[Antilogic]

I was going to say replicators, but sure, that works too.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Overall a decent enough update (at least we didn't get a climate shift, which is usually bad because it makes a good planet a barren one and permanently reduces the population cap), but seriously? I thought our military was stronger! Our spies are terrible!

I think they have the bulk of their forces in one place, whereas we have ours more spread out.

"The Dominion will sooner have us subjugated to the Founders rather than treat us as equals. The Romulan Empire will have the full support of Starfleet and a formal declaration of war against the Dominion as soon as the President approves the treaty. In the meantime, I will appoint a military liaison to coordinate operations between our fleets."

Antilogic takes option 1.

Citizens of the Federation, dark times are upon us.

Aggressively pursuing a policy of expansion at the expense of all others, the Dominion have pushed beyond their limits. Threatening Federation worlds, committing acts of sabotage among peaceful people, attempting to sever the ties of friendship between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire.

The Federation shall not stand for such acts of terrorism any longer and, along with our allies in the Romulan Senate, hereby declare a state of war exists between the Federation Alliance and the Dominion Empire. Let it be known all peaceful avenues were explored, all policies of peace desired.

At a moment such as this the assurances of the peoples across the Federation are of supreme importance to the officers and crewmen of Starfleet. By their efforts are the borders of the Federation kept safe. By their endevours the policy of democracy and a peaceful society shall survive.

It is evil things that we shall be fighting against - brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution - and against them I am certain that right will prevail.

The Dominion War has begun.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Reorganisation of the Federation.

Kan’ Sharuminar remains President for the status of the crisis. Elections will resume upon its end.
Antilogic is the Federation’s Foreign Minister, and vice-president of the Federation. Should the President be unavailable Antilogic has the highest authority.
Cardgame is the Chief of Staff, hereby retaining control of all static and ground forces across the Federation. He maintains all policy on starbase placement, on ground troop tactics.
d.highland becomes Head of Starfleet, advising and controlling all policies on fleet placement and strategies.

Thrawn and Matt0088 remain councillors of the Federation, representing the people.

Reorganisation of the fleet.

All Captains to continue to follow defensive orders as before.

Nodikus and the Risan Task Force is to rendezvous with the fleet at T’Ili Beta.

Maniacal II is hereby promoted to Fleet Admiral, in charge of special operations. He is to be considered the liason officer between Starfleet and the Federation council.

 

[cardgame]

Hurrah! To arms! To war! To the Federation!

What is the state of our static defenses along the Dominion border? If possible, I suggest we gather our fleet for an immediate and demoralizing invasion of one of their star systems, and deal a crushing blow afterwards to their fleets, weakened by our defenses.

 

[The Magic Hobo]

The Dominion War has begun.

"Sir do you hear that?" Number One says mouth agape.
"I can't believe it."
"I know sir it's terri-"
"FINALLY! YES!!! YES! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! All hands report to battle stations. Red Alert, weapons to maximum, Eye of the Tiger playing. ATTACK!!!!!!!!"
"Sir that's copy righted."
"Shut up Number One or I'll make thee walk the plank!"
"Sir there are no planks on this ship."
"DO NOT QUESTION ME! NOW CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!" The Magic Hobo screams whilst taking a chug of booze, putting on his pirate has, and wielding his plastic pirate sword.
"Sir, really?"
"Silence! we attack!"