100966.3
RADM Bishop, S.
LOCATION Deep Space Thirteen
MISSION To discuss and strategise the implementation of Operation Iron Curtain, focusing on a targeted blockade of the Confederacy to pressure diplomatic negotiations.
OUTCOME Plans for a full blockade were deemed infeasible due to the lack of trade activity outside the Confederacy. Discussions highlighted diplomatic strategies and selective monitoring as more viable options.
KEY PERSONNEL
- RADM Bishop, S.
- LCDR Burov, K.
- LCDR t’Veras, A.
- LCDR Nasi, M.
NARRATIVE The meeting was convened by this officer to establish the viability of the a blockade as per Operation Iron Curtain, to limit Confederacy’s military movement and encourage negotiation by putting pressure on trade routes. LCDR Burov provided intelligence revealing minimal trade activity due to the Confederacy’s insularity and lack of warp-capable ships, significantly altering the original strategy (Figure 1). He emphasised that external traffic into Confederacy space was negligible. Smugglers, who once facilitated limited exchanges with Kacam, had ceased operations due to the pervasive fear surrounding Azedi-controlled regions. Within the Confederacy, Viggo relied on its warp-capable military fleet to maintain limited contact with Ikmore, but this activity was more logistical support than true economic exchange. There was no current trade with the other former Confederate states. LCDR Burov also highlighted the Confederacy’s reliance on its military for subsistence rather than pursuing avenues of economic or diplomatic resolution. The observation was made that the Confederacy’s current trajectory suggested an increasing desperation, with likely overtures to factions such as Citali or Kacam shortly.
Figure 1 - Original Concept of Blockade
| Colour | Information |
|---|---|
| Blue | Blockade Line |
| Orange | Trade route to disrupt |
LCDR t’Veras highlighted the precariousness of targeting internal trade networks, noting that such exchanges, controlled by government entities, risked framing any interference as an act of provocation. This, in turn, could incite broader repercussions across the region. There were also further humanitarian consequences, particularly for civilian populations, who would likely bear the brunt of such measures. While acknowledging the potential merit of judicious actions, the argument was consistently directed towards the importance of upholding Federation principles and maintaining its integrity in the eyes of external observers. An argument was advanced that the line between exerting pressure and inciting hostility was a perilously narrow one, particularly when engaging with isolationist factions such as Viggo; cultivating discrete relationships within Viggo to open avenues for dialogue could foster better relations.
LCDR Nasi discussed the logistics of a blockade; with the Confederacy’s limited mobility and the lack of warp-capable vessels, a blockade would only yield limited influence over the Confederacy’s internal dynamics. An alternative proposal was advanced, suggesting the Federation’s existing support to Ralin and Kacam be employed as a strategic foothold for fostering goodwill and encouraging diplomatic inroads. The suggestion was made to leverage the Federation’s humanitarian aid and strategic partnerships as a means to achieve more enduring and equitable outcomes.
RECOMMENDATION A continued emphasis on diplomacy over military action. Instead of pushing a trade blockade, a “diplomatic” blockade will be attempted, as per Operation Sovereign Nexus.
Alongside this, we must continue and expand humanitarian aid to regions like Ralin and Kacam. These operations will underline the Federation’s commitment to stability and well-being, thereby presenting a stark contrast to the isolationist policies of the Confederacy.
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RECOGNITION All three officers provided valuable intelligence and input into the discussion. They are to be commended for their actions.
OOC This is the AAR following the discussion; transcript here.