Pursuit of Republic

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: Pursuit of Republic

Date: Wed, Jul 15, 1998 4:28 PM

From: Lt Joy 5

Message-id:

 

 

Subject:  Pursuit of Republic

From: Lt. Joy Five

To:  Captain BluRox, Commander T’Kai

CC:  Tactical Log, LtCdr Marak

 

Republic is currently operating with max warp of six plus.  In pursuit are three warships, apparently Galor class, apparently undamaged.  Warp signatures indicate fully operational drive systems.  Pursuit is taking place at warp 8 plus.

 

We launched three diversionary probes programmed to simulate Republic’s warp signature.  Two of the Galor vessels are currently intercepting probes.  One is intercepting us.  Our course change delayed our entrance into Federation space, and slightly delayed time of intercept of the first ship.  The ship currently pursuing us, however, will intercept before we enter Federation space.  If they do not initiate conflict before all three ships can

intercept, the action will take place well within Federation space, but not so far in as our penetration of Cardassian space.  While there is risk for them in a moderate penetration of Federation space, this risk is not prohibitive.

 

Republic’s weapons systems and shields are near fully operational.  Our significant damage is in warp drive and structural integrity.  As the enemy will have greater speed, they will be able to choose to initiate or break off the engagement.  They will have the choice of ranges at which the fight will take place.  Loss of structural integrity will not be a factor until shields are significantly discharged.  However, once shields are weakened, any

energy leaking through shields will be a greater than normal threat to Republic.  Maneuvering to position the primary collision point from fire is recommended.  In facing three opponents with superior speed, it may not be possible to protect the damaged area.

 

A fully operational Galaxy engaging a fully operational Galor is an entirely acceptable risk.  A significantly damaged Galaxy confronting three fully operational Galors is not an acceptable risk.  Conventional tactics are not likely to yield acceptable results.

 

The importance of the Federation border seems less relevant than the availability of reinforcements.  The current conflict is open.  Each side will cross the border.  Delaying the conflict in order to get further across the border will be useful only to the extent that there are border patrol ships in the area, or that the Cardassian fear there will be patrol ships.

 

Commander T’Kai informs me that this ship is ordered to communications silence.  The usual purpose of such a silence is to prevent detection.  This purpose has already been defeated.  Informing Starfleet of the current tactical situation seems prudent.  However, a transmission at this time may inform the pursuing ships which of their four targets is real.  Delay of transmission until all three Galors are on intercept course seems prudent.  As the

pursuit closes the range and gets better sensor data on the probes, it seems likely that in time they will all be pursuing Republic.

 

An alternate suggestion is that we alter our warp signature to look like a probe trying to look like a Galaxy.  Doing this with a damaged drive and without losing speed would not be trivial.  However, it might result in our immediate pursuer switching to chase the currently uncovered probe.  It is possible that as the other two pursuers learn they have been chasing probes, all three pursuers might converge on the currently uncovered probe.  Best

case, we might get significantly further into Federation space before intercept.