Star Trek Outwardly Mobile

Episode 60a - The Balmoran Federation
by
Jay P Hailey

The enlisted man slid Captain Junior Grade Metril's customary breakfast in front of him with practiced grace and ease.

"Thank you, Technician Holay" Metril nodded. It was a point of pride that he'd memorized the names of all 394 members of his crew.

"Sir." Holay smiled.

Metril picked up his PADD and read the day's reports carefully. The USS Remlar was an aged light missile cruiser, well out of date compared to the prestigious new ships of the home fleet, but she was a Federation Starship and so he made every effort to keep up to date with the latest situation reports from headquarters. It wouldn't do to have a fleet Captain, Commodore or Admiral question his knowledge or preparedness and find him wanting.

Secretly, Metril liked the Remlar's current assignment. A lone Starship, heading out into the unknown. He recalled his boyhood fascination with the history of Starfleet including the founding Captains Archer, Lee and Konak. However he felt disquiet, as well. This was not a prestigious assignment. If fact, quite the opposite. Rearward deep space patrol in an outdated light cruiser might be considered something of a dead end, career-wise.

Even the crew he got, filled with free thinkers, square pegs, aliens and trouble makers might be seen by some a a sign that the Remlar wasn't worth more front-line crew people. But Metril recalled the lessons of the early pioneers of Starfleet. The right mix of acceptance, encouragement, being an example and asking for their best caused the Remlar's crew became excellent. The Remlar's alert and drill times were as good as any ship of her class ever got, and Metril secretly believed that his crew's diversity allowed them a mental flexibility that the frontline battle cruisers and dreadnoughts of the fleet lacked.

Metril grinned to himself as he read the latest reports of fleet deployments and the light engagements that seemed a chronic Vargr pass time. If Starfleet Command felt that being a Starship Commander for the rest of his career was some sort of punishment, Metril was not going to try and dissuade them. Idly he wished to be allowed to take the Remlar further into the unknown. He knew his ship was capable of a lot more than Starfleet Command ever asked of her..

But discipline was a hallmark of the Starfleet. Starfleet Command in it's wisdom set a limit to how far they ventured and Metril upheld that. It was a statement of his identity, how he saw himself. He felt proud to be able to say that about himself.

The alert claxon blared once for attention. "Captain to the bridge please, Captain the bridge. Unknown sensor contact."

Metril stood up and walked briskly out of the officer's mess towards the turbo lift.

-*-

The plotting table - screen dominated the aft end of the bridge. The Helm and Navigation consoles were towards the front where the large main view screen dominated the forward wall. Engineering and Damage Control readings dominated the back of the Bridge. The technical name of the chamber was the Command and Control Center, but everyone called it the bridge.

As Metril entered the bridge, the officer of the Bridge called "Captain on deck!" The Bridge crew came to attention as Metril said "As you were."

He strode directly up to the Plotting table. "Report please."

His executive officer, Commander Arlah Wilmar, a dark haired, dark eyed woman spoke excitedly. "Unknown contact, Captain. She's approach at cruising speed, from bearing 263 mark 244."

"Any clues as to her identity?" Metril asked

"None sir, her engine signature does not match any known configuration. We're not in range for detailed sensor readings or transponder signals yet." Wilmar said.

Metril nodded and thought for a few moments. "Officer of the bridge, take us to yellow alert and plot an Intercept course. Cruising speed."

"Aye, Sir! Intercept course to unknown target, cruising speed, yellow alert!" The Lieutenant who was serving as officer of bridge called out.

"Helm make your course 263, mark 244." The Lieutenant said, "Operations sound yellow alert, Engineering set for warp six."

A Chorus of "Aye, Aye's" sounded, and the USS Remlar turned towards the unknown ship, as the yellow alert klaxon sounded. Feet pounded across the decks, as the crew readied themselves for potential trouble.

Metril turned towards Wilmar. Her eyes glittered. Action. Something to note on the record besides an uneventful cruise. If a battle occurred and the results went well, Wilmar might be looking at her next promotion.

Metril tried to keep the shadow of grimness from his face. It wasn't a known Vargr signature. This didn't mean that it wasn't a new class of Vargr ship, perhaps with some horrid new Kogari innovation attached to it.

When the Vargr came up with a new class of ship, they weren't averse to making a long trip to test her against a less that top-of-the-line Federation ship.

The Tactical Officer, Breknar a Bykaler growled softly. "Captain, a report."

Metril looked at the shaggy, hulking form of his tactical officer. Breknar was very good at his duties, even if he occasionally emoted more than necessary. "Report."

"The unknown is a size class twelve vessel." Breknar's pupils dilated to show large pools of black.

An electric surge ran up and down Metril's spine. "Double check your readings." He said hoarsely. There was one size class twelve vessel in the entire Federation fleet, and that was the battleship USS Federation. The USS Federation outgunned the USS Remlar six times or more.

"Reading are confirmed, Sir." Breknar said. "If the Sensors crew gave me false data during a situation such as this…" he let the threat hang in the air, "I would be unhappy."

Metril took a deep breath. "Let's belay that sort of talk. We're all professionals here."

Breknar came to attention "Sir."

Metril smothered a grin. "Carry on."

"Readings also confirm that the unknown is probably not a Vargr vessel." Breknar said.

"Thank the Gods for small favors." Wilmar said. "What is a battleship doing out this far in the hinterlands with no escort?"

"I'd prefer not to prejudge the situation." Metril said.

"Sir, the Unknown vessel has turned towards us, but has not increased speed." The sensors officer said from his work station to the left side of the bridge.

Breknar turned "Acknowledged, Sensors."

"How long until we intercept?" Metril asked.

The tactical plot on the table before them was updated with the course of the Unknown ship.

"Three and a half days, Sir." The navigation officer said.

Metril nodded. "Very good, stand us down from yellow alert, and resume cruise mode. We will resume yellow alert one hour before our rendezvous with the unknown ship. Officer of the Bridge, keep a weather eye on those scanners. If something changes I want to be informed immediately."

"Aye, Sir!" The officer of the bridge turned to give the appropriate orders.

"You have the Bridge, Number One." Metril said. "I'll be in my ready room.

"Calling Starfleet, Captain?"

"Of course."

-*-

The Senior Officer's ward room was a comfortable place designed more with an eye towards comfort that military necessity. Although some comfort was a military necessity.

Metril leaned back in his chair. "Alright. For obvious reasons Starbase Kameril Alpha did not tell me what exactly we could expect for back up. They did say they were assembling a battle group to come meet us, under Admiral Jaril."

Wilmar Spoke up. "It'll have to be a good chunk of the third fleet's combat strength to cope with a battleship."

Metril spoke. "I am sincerely hoping to avoid battle."

Wilmar nodded "We all do. But you prepare for the worst and hope for the best." This was Starfleet's mantra.

Metril nodded. "Engineering, How do we look?"

Malor Zull was a strange looking man, technically apt but socially awkward. Genuine affection between the man and his engineering crew was slowly adding some self confidence and social awareness to him. Zull nodded "Sir, all systems are in excellent condition. All reserves and back-up checked and ready to go."

Metril grinned "Thank you. Tactical?"

Breknar stretched, his claws showing. "Sir. All weapons are functional; we have a full load of missiles with the full variety of warheads available to you. All combat programming has been vetted and is as free of errors as we can make it. My crews are well trained and handle drills and training exercises… adequately. However we are not a blooded team, yet. It will take combat experience for us to truly come together as a pack."

"May all the Gods preserve us." Metril thought. "I have every confidence in your abilities lieutenant and those of your crew." He said aloud.

Breknar grew a touch fluffier at the compliment.

"Medical?" Metril turned towards his Chief medical officer.

Wil Garkar was an old Woman serving out the remaining years of her service until she was forced into retirement. Some disaster happened to her to make her pinched and bitter. However being with the new crew and the new ship allowed her to loosen up somewhat, when she forgot about whatever it was haunting her past. She was bright and present in the room today. "I have my crew resting and preparing. When it's time to meet your new monster, we'll be ready."

Metril nodded slightly, "Thank you, Doctor."

He turned to a man wearing a gray uniform with pockets and loops all over it, as well as the aggressive signage of the Starfleet Marine Corps. "Major Mokot?"

The Major came to attention "Sir. We stand ready to defend this ship from all boarders and to take such tactical action as you direct."

Metril shuddered inwardly. He recalled some boarding actions from his past as a young Lieutenant on the Vargr frontier. There was no quicker way to use up young marines but to beam them into a hostile starship to try and take it away from its crew. "Noted Major. I don't anticipate trying to board an unknown battleship by ourselves." As soon as he'd said it, he wished he hadn't. Admiral Jaril might have different, stupider and more blood soaked ideas when he and his battle group arrived.

"Whatever you decide, Sir. We'll be there." Mokot confirmed.

"Doctor Zilar?" Metril turned towards his science team leader. The man had learned a lot since they started this voyage. How to wait his turn in a briefing, for instance. Some of Metril's Officers secretly resented having to "babysit" a civilian science staff. But Metril liked the idea of carrying scientists along on the assignment. It made him feel more like Archer.

Zilar took a deep breath. "I have high hopes that we may be on the verge of a first contact with a heretofore unknown race. This could have wide reaching consequences for the Federation. I feel these consequences would be good ones. Myself and my team look forward to a *peaceful* contact with our neighbors."

Metril grinned at Zilar's understated opinionizing "Agreed Doctor. If all does go well are you and your people in a position to capitalize on it?".

"Oh, oh yes, Certainly!" Zilar grinned. "All of us, even the physical scientists look forward to doing some real science."

Metril chuckled. "Good. Excellent. " Then he sobered. "People we can't go toe-to-toe with a battleship and we all know it. The Remlar does have her advantages. We can engage at range, and because we're smaller, we're more maneuverable. Bear this in mind. If the Unknown does, indeed turn out to be hostile, then our job is not to go out in a blaze of glory but to shadow the newcomer until appropriate fire power can be brought to bear.

-*-

"Captain to the Bridge, Captain the Bridge. New development to report."

Metril was out of bed, into his cover all and running for the turbo lift before he was even awake.

He did wake up in the Turbolift and realized that he'd responded to call without shoes. He zipped his cover all style uniform all the way. He'd send his yeoman for them when he got there. Then the headache of a quick wake up from a deep sleep hit him. "ugh." Metril said to himself, trying to arrange himself to to be captainly when he got to the bridge.

The doors swished open and Metril stepped out.

"Captain on the bridge!" a voice yelled in his ear.

Something caught Metril's eye. He looked and seemed to fall into the main view screen endlessly. He stood and looked with his mouth open, oblivious to his crew standing at attention all around the bridge.

Next to the icon for the Unknown ship there was a transponder signal now.

"United Federation of Planets. Starfleet. United Star Ship Discovery, NCC 71805."

"Gods…" Metril whispered.

Profile - The Balmorian Federation

Name:
The Balmorian Federation

Created By:
Jay P. Hailey

Short Summary:
A Distorted Mirror of the UFP

Appearance:
The Balmorian Federation is a coalition of Many races. The Balmorians themselves are human to all appearances.

Location:
The Balmorian Federation is at the very edge of explored space where a ship on a deep space probe may hear their subspace transmissions and be drawn to them to investigate.

Headquaters:
Balmoria, a beautiful class "M" world, formerly one of the oldest and most well developed colonies of the Zarian Empire, they became the center of a new "United Federation of Planets.

Population:
360 billion.

Languages:
The Official Language of the Balmorian Federation is a modification of Federation Standard. They started with Federation Standard as of approximately 2200, and have developed their version independently from there.

Government:
The Balmorian Federation is a multi-planet Union with institutions and departments modeled faithfully on the UFP as of 2200, and then independently developed. The Balmorian Federation is technically run by a Federation Council, but this council often takes a back seat to the President of the Federation, who often sees his will carried out.

The President is elected by a vote of the Federation Council, and traditionally in the Balmorian Federation is a High ranking and well respected commander of the Balmorian Starfleet. Candidates may announce from any source, but usually Council Members and senior Admirals Supported by the Joint chiefs of Staff are the only ones taken seriously. Rarely a councilor or an outsider with strong Public support can win the Presidency but he'd best keep a good relationship with the Balmorian Starfleet if he hopes to accomplish much.

Economy:
The Economy in the Balmorian Federation is strong and robust. The Economy of the Balmorian Federation is based on interplanetary trade, manufacturing and strong (Some might say overbearing) trade relations with their smaller neighbors. Wealth is more openly owned and displayed in the Balmorian Federation although there is the public perception that along with great wealth comes great social responsibility.

Military:
The Arm of the Balmorian Federation Military is the Balmorian Federation's Starfleet. They use ranks, signage and procedures obviously cribbed from the UFP, but with a more militaristic bent. While the Balmorian Federation's Starfleet pays lip service to the concept of exploration and peace, and even has an anemic Galaxy Exploration Command, a Brief examination will show that the Balmorian Starfleet is a military force and not shy about showing itself to be so.

The heavy units of the Balmorian Starfleet are battle cruisers and dreadnoughts which typically patrol with an entourage of escorts and support vessels.

The Balmorian Starfleet uses heavy cruisers as mobile patrol and enforcement units with only the slimmest accommodation for exploration and science.

The Balmorians often use older ships as exploration vessels, feeling it a poor risk to take with larger and more capable units. The Balmorians have a very large and competent Marine force and land armies.

Technologically Balmorian Ships develop from the USS Canberra and the federation technology base of the time. There will be disturbing echoes of Federation technology in the Balmorian Starfleet. This resemblance only gets more disturbing close up as the signage and symbology become clear.

History:
In approximately 2190 the Daedalus class starship USS Canberra on a routine patrol suffered a serious engine malfunction and was thrown into deep, unknown space. Sort of a pre-TOS voyager thing. However the Canberra wound up in much worse trouble. The accident killed a lot of the Canberra's engineering and navigational staff. The damaged Navigational Computers crashed, and the Canberra was utterly lost. Even when partially restored their relatively primitive navigational techniques were overwhelmed by the distance.

Captain Lee and his crew bravely pressed forward anyway and had a long series of adventures.

In 2200 the Canberra, now much the worse for wear encountered the reamins of the Zarian Empire in the process of being destroyed by the Bykaler, a race of warriors rebelling and destroying all humans in their path. The Zarian Empire was in a state of collapse reeling from a string of defeats and massacres.

Captain Lee and the Canberra crew rallied the tattered Zariam Military. With newly recruited allies and the technology of the Federation the new Alliance repelled the Bykalers. Impressed the surviving Zarian heirarchy decided to join the Federation.

The fact that they didn't know where it *was* was only a temporary impediment. Until it was discovered, they'd simply recreate it for themselves.

Captain lee then became President Lee of the new United Federation of Planets. a position that made him uncomfortable, but it was undeniable. Under Lee's leadership, the new Federation colasced into a solid, coherent entity, reinvigorated, and proceed to defeat the Bykalers, hurling them back to their own home world.

Eventually Lee and his old crew turned the reigns of power over to Native officers and politicians.

When Lee was age 90, he asked his crew to join him on the Canberra in hibernation to await contact with the Terran branch of the United Federation of Planets. most of them agreed (A few didn't they had lives and families to pursue on Balmoria.)

Lee has been awaked three times since then to assist with political or constitutional crises. After a breif period he always returns to Hibernation.

The Balmorian Federation took it's time expanding, prefering to make sure colonies are well developed and self sustaining before committing to more.

In the last 20 years, the Balmorian Federat

Captain Lee rallied the opposition to the Bykaler Empire under a single banner and support by their new friends on Balmoria, formed the allies into an effective fighting force. Captain Lee used his own experiences fighting the Orions and the Klingons and used the pattern of the Federation freely in establishing institutions to handle the Alliance.

Captain Lee also used tactics which would offend a modern Starfleet Captain. He freely shared the Canberra's technology and Helped the Allies recruit and develop pre-technological worlds into the Alliance to gain new resources and man power.

Balmoria and her allies were so impressed with the effectiveness of Captain Lee and the Federation style that they elected to join the Federation. The fact that they had no clue whatever where the Federation was located was considered a temporary problem which could be solved once the Bykaler Empire was defeated. Balmoria became the Capital of a new branch of the United Federation of Planets.

After 20 years of on-again/off-again warfare, exploration and development, Captain Lee decided to retire the USS Canberra, himself and volunteers from among his crew to await the day when the Balgoria branch of the UFP would make contact with it's Earth based sibling.

The Balmorian Federation built a new run of Starships and continued right along.

In due course the Bykaler were defeated, conquered and absorbed into the Balmorian Federation. The Balmorian federation has no such thing as a Prime Directive. Due to their success in the war, the Balmorian Federation rationalized that it was indeed a superior form of economic and social grouping and under took to create a rating or relative merit compared to themselves .

The Bykalers were declared "Savages" and "Barbarians" and taken into the Balmorian Federation as second class citizens "for their own good". The Balmorian Federation then proceed to expand, absorbing worlds and neighbors. They also encountered new enemies and built up to fight them.

Currently the Balmorian Federation is arranged in opposition to the Vargr, a chaotic warrior race and Kogari Region, a grouping of squabbling city states which manage to band together when ever threatened by the Balmorian Federation.

Culture: The Balmorian Federation is by and large earnest, if somewhat arrogant about their relative place in the galaxy. The average Balmorian will be happy to see representatives of the UFP. They generally see the UFP as an idealized version of their own government and nation. It is important to note that the average citizen sees the Balmorian Federation and the UFP as two wings of the same organization.

The Average Citizen of the Balmorian Federation has not been enculturated to revere other cultures and other truths the way a citizen of the UFP has and so will consider the idea of respecting other cultures nice if a bit too academic for everyday life.

Many of the more militaristic or culturally arrogant people of the Balmorian Federation will see the UFP as too "liberal" and too politically correct. They will react harshly to any suggestion that their interpretation of the Federation isn't superior,

The powers that rule the Balmorian Federation are the epitome of the ends justifying the means. They'll follow the good guys code for just as long at it's convenient or makes good PR, otherwise watch your back. These are the guys who'll have ultra violent super spies. These are the guys who'll have stealth ships and assassination squads. These are the guys who'll have Section 31. They'll expect a similar cabal in charge of the main UFP and will be unpleasantly surprised to find this is not the case. Afterwards, they'll see the main UFP as a definite threat to their power. This is why the Balmorian UFP is so hesitant about exploration. They fear discovering a power that can threaten their power.

Relations: The Vargr are the chief enemy of the Balmorian Federation.
The Vargr are an Canid race, who are divided and chaotic. Their culture is fluid. Political power changes hands constantly.

The Balmoran Federation resents chaos and unpredictability of the Vargr exents and the constant piracy and banditry that their chaos engenders

Another sizable enemy of the Balmorian Federation is the Kogari Region. This is a balkanized region of pocket empires, single planet nations and experimental governments. They have a large variety of peoples, rulers and cultures. Many of the nations trace their roots back to Zamarian Dissidents, or Bykaler refugees, or members of other races over whelmed by the Balmorian Federation.

The nations of the Kogari Region are often at war with each other and are known to fight bitterly and harbor long rivalries. But even the most hated of Kogari region enemies will band together to fight their mutual enemy the Balmorian Federation.

The UFP has it's work cut out to establish any meaningful relationship with the states of the Kogari Region. They have been the victims of skillful manipulation by the Balmorian Federation and are watchful.

Advantages: The Balmorian Federation is a relatively advanced and militarily powerful state.

Weaknesses: They are vulnerable to their own PR and changes in public perception, they are tied to an idealized conception of the UFP which doesn't mean much until there is a UFP around with strong ideas.

Special: The USS Canberra is still in orbit around Balmor, with a handful of her original crew aged but optimistic, in hibernation now a national monument. What Captain Lee and crew would think of the Balmorian Federation or the Modern UFP is left as an exercise for the GM/Author

Campaign Role: The role of the Balmorian Federation is to hold up a Dark Mirror of the Federation to the PCs and to make them question their own notions of what is right and wrong. A ruthless, goal-driven PC may well find the more militaristic version of the Federation to their liking. An Exploration and Diplomacy driven PC may feel the responsible to establish good relations not only with the Balmorian Federation but with it's Antagonized neighbors. A sentimentalist or Moralist PC may feel it incumbent upon them to try to ameliorate the damage done by Captain Lee's interference.

Either way, the actions of the Federation PCs making contact with the Balmorian Federation will be watched far and wide in the region and the other players will react in character.

USS Rengel

- Command Staff
- CO Jon Metril, Captain j.g.
- XO Arlah Wilmar Cmdr
- OPS Lt Kalar
- TAC Lt. Breknar
- CENG Lt. Malor Zull
- CMO Dr Wil Garkar
- CSc Penn Zilar
- Marines - Major Mokot

- Ship Name USS Remlar: CGLE-B 164

- Brief description of ship: A Flattened Ellipse with a wide Cigar Shaped Secondary hull and two Warp Nacelles slung above.

- Campaign role for the ship: To be an example of the B-UFP's Starfleet

- Fleet role: Light Patrol and interdiction, Fleet fire support, close escort for Dreadnoughts, Battleships and Fleet Carriers.

- Age: 40 years

- Length: 315 meters

- Distinguishing Marks (Odd paint job, repair scars etc.):
The USS Remlar is painted white, with Starfleet Pennants variations on those used in the 2190s.

- Equipment Quirks and Problems:
None to speak of.

- Equipment Advantages
The USS Remlar has been up graded with advanced fire control computers and sensors, and could hold her own with any comparable ship in the B-UFP's Starfleet. However being an older vessel, Starfleet Command considers her less reliable and desirable than the latest ships for the role.

- Shuttles, number, any odd ones?
The USS Remlar carries 4 main shuttles plus an unknown number of pods. All are maintained to specification, but of an older model than modern B-UFP units.

- Primary Power:
B-UFP Standard matter/anti-matter reactor, inspired by the USS Canberra's but with 170 years of engineering developments and refinements

- Secondary Power:
B-UFP standard Fusion reactors and drives, inspired by the USS Canberras and updated.

- Primary Weapons:
The USS Remlar's main strike weapon is a huge barrage of missiles. These small self propelled and guided units move very fast and have very large warheads. An unanswered strike by the USS Remlar could damage or cripple any ship up to a Dreadnought. Even a Battleship couldn't take a full broadside from the Remlar unscathed. However, tactical opponents rarely fail to take defensive measures against missile salvos. To counter these, the Remlar can fire a *lot* of missiles at once, which depending on the situation can saturate an opponents defenses and cripple him, or simply encourage him to keep running. Using missiles well in combat is an art form.

- Secondary Weapons:
The Remlar's secondary weapons array is a collection of disruptor like beam weapons and phaser cannon, in small, medium and a few large emplacements all over the ship. The Remlar's design as an escort cruiser means she is armed to stop a barrage of missiles like the ones she fires, there by protecting a large vessel. Her phasers are generally small but very accurate, making the ship a real porcupine versus drones, missiles and enemy fighters. At close range these can even rake up a capital ship pretty badly, but this sort of fighting is not what the Remlar is designed for.

- Service History
When first Built, the Remlar was assigned to a battlegroup, patrolling the Vargr frontier, engaging in an endless series of skirmishes and confrontations. Fortunately these never got out of hand and became a General War
In time, newer cruisers and light cruisers were built, displacing the type the Remlar was designed from.
Towards the end of the run of new light cruisers, new escort and missile cruisers were added to the construction. The Remlar's place escorting a heavy combat unit was usurped.
The Remlar joined a rearward fleet, playing her patrol role now, more than escort, engaging pirates and raiders, and generally keeping the B-UFP safe, as well as reinforcing front line units for serious confrontations.
After several years of that work, the USS Remlar was shuffled to the older 3rd fleet, which handled rear echelon patrol and light exploration duties, where she is expected to spend the rest of her service life.

- Crew:
Approximately 400 people, although she could be run by 40 if necessary, for a short while.

Where the USS Enterprise-D =1
Impulse Speed/Maneuverability 2.5
Warp Speed/Range .67
Defenses .20
Weapons .20
Science .20
Crew Comfort .25
Duration. .5