Lynch Pin
STARDATE: 8041.3, NEAR THE KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE, 0729 HRS FST
     
TIMING IS EVERYTHING:
Captains Log
Stardate 8042.1
While on routine follow up patrol in this area, we have successfully engaged one of two D-18 destroyers that crossed into Federation space several months ago. The captain of the enemy vessel seemed intent on destroying the sensor net hub in this area. Oddly enough, neither myself nor my tactical officers can find reason. Even with the loss of several of the sensor drones, the detection grid is anchored at the far end by Defense Outpost 61. With the increased patrols in this area, there seems no way that the Klingon commander could have possible re-entered the Neutral Zone undetected.

The enemy vessel finally waved off after several direct hits. To ensure that the second D-18 does not attack shipping in this area, I have elected not to pursue the damaged Klingon vessel. We are remaining on station to await the arrival of a tender to replace the destroyed buoys.

I still can’t help but wonder, what was the purpose? Why attack the sensor drones. I have a feeling we haven’t see the last of this incident.

  

GAME SET-UP

Lay out one Star Trek Combat Simulator map-sheets in the configuration shown. This represents the area of space where the conflict takes place. All vessels start the game at sub-warp speed. Use the Graduate Starship Tactics Course rules in this scenario.

Defender
The Defending force consists of:

1 Andor Mk II Class IX Torpedo Cruiser (USS Andor’s Blade)

On Phase 1 of turn 6 the defending force receives the following reinforcements:

1 Wilkerson Mk I Class IX Destroyer (USS Accomidator)

Deployment
The Defending force deploys along any edge of the map. Re-enforcements arrive from the right side of the map.

Attacker
The Attacking force consists of:

1 D-18C Class IX Destroyer (IKV K’tak Ves)

Deployment
The attacking force enters cloaked from any edge of the map.

Victory Conditions:

The Attacker wins a full victory be destroying 5 or more sensor drones. The Attacker wins only a partial victory by destroying 1 to 4 of the drones. The Attacker suffers a minor defeat if they are unable to destroy any of the probes before turn 8. The Defender wins a minor victory by preventing the destruction of 3 or more probes, and a major victory by destroying the D-18.

SPECIAL RULES:

Sensor Drones:

Set up the sensor drones as shown above. Each drone has 3 shield point and 2 superstructure point. Drone do not move. Once the attacker de-cloaks, the drones can be used by the defender to increase cloaking detection by +3/+30% on all rolls. Combatants may fire through hexes containing a drone without penalty.

Escape:
The attacking force may escape by warping off the right edge of the combat area. Campaign warp escape rules apply. The Defending force may not leave the combat area.

Ending:
The scenario ends on turn 8 due to mission failure of the attacking force.