11.23 Enterprise Saves Earth

ENTERPRISE SAVES EARTH UFP INFONET “FROM OUR READERS” SECTION – 24 AUGUST 2267

The following was submitted by UFP Infonet reader Kylie Jones with regards to the successful conclusion of the Vejur Incident of 23 August 2267.

He did it again. Admiral Kirk and the Enterprise saved the Federation’s butt again, this time from that cloud thing that looked like it was going to destroy Earth. I don’t know how the man does it, or why he keeps on doing it, but I’m glad he does. I known I speak for a lot of people in saying that I’m glad Starfleet had sense enough to give Kirk his ship back after making him fly a desk for the past couple of years. It’s starship captains like him that protect us from such dangers, not paper-pushing admirals and politicians. We need more starship captains like Kirk, and I’d give a lot just to be part of his crew for a day. They broke the mold when they made him, because he’s the best that ere’s ever been an th d there’ll never be another better. I know I’ ll b ack e able to sleep better at night knowing Admiral Kirk is b out there again. HORNET HELPS LIBERATE TELLAR ST 2272 JAYNZ DEFENCE WEEKLY – 29 AUGU

One of the oddest-looking starships of Starfleet’s new linea r arp fleet was put to the test this past week. The U.S.S. w Hornet (NCC-9700), an experimental escort shuttlecarrier, supported landing and ground strike operations during Operation Talon, the successful effort to liberate the Tellar star system from Kzinti occupation forces.

The Hornet was designed as a reduced-hull cruiser but was converted for use as a patrol craft in the Rigel sector. It was designed from the onset to deploy combat shuttlecraft, carrying ten K-type “Killer Bee” attack craft in addition to standard cruiser armament. Hornet had just launched and was on her shakedown cruise when the Kzinti Incursion broke out. She was immediately redeployed to the area and became one of only three operational shuttlecarriers assigned to Task Force Zulu under the command of Admiral James T. Kirk. Hornet’s fighters escorted Marine starships and assault craft during landing down numerous Kzinti drones and operations on Tellar, shooting fighter shuttles sent to intercept them. The Hornet herself took part in the space battle high overhead, destroying one Kzinti spacecraft and damaging three others before her own damage became too great to continue flight deck operations. She was forced to withdraw from the battle and effect repairs while other Starfleet units finished off the Kzinti orbital defense forces. Hornet’s repairs were effected in time to land all of her own craft and then return to Starbase 1 for further repairs.

Starfleet Command is reportedly pleased with the Hornet’s performance at Tellar. This will all but guarantee the approval of the other nine ships planned in the Hornet class. The Hornet’s better-than-expected performance during the battle in orbit is also said to be of considerable interest in certain quarters. Unconfirmed sources report that backers of Starfleet’s longstalled perimeter action ship program are already evaluating the Hornet combat data. This is supposed to be in anticipation of a new perimeter action ship design that will replace the rapidly aging and nearly obsolete Kiaga and Agilis classes.

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to be con ti nued …

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