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Federation News Service

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  1. From deep in the Beta Quadrant to the remote edges of the Shoals, here are the latest updates from the ships of the StarBase 118 fleet. Ops crew faces off against Terra Prime at Miranda VII STARBASE 118 OPS — Terra Prime, a terrorist organisation that touts xenophobic ideology has taken control of the Miranda VII outpost. Wedding preparations begin aboard Chin’toka as Colony Fleet arrives at Shemsh IV SHEMSH IV — After successful repairs and another brief skirmish with enemy forces, the Par’tha Expanse Colonization Fleet arrives at its destination. Gorkon brings missing cadets home from Darime IV STARFLEET HQ, EARTH — The USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) has returned to Earth to prepare for the installation of Warp XV drive and ferry home the cadets found below Darime IV. Starship crew grounded by mysterious force on planet with perpetual night CHI CETI SYSTEM, ALPHA ISLES – The crew of the USS Arrow was forced to abandon ship following a freak solar event. Crew participates in investigation surrounding destruction of USS Resolution RISA – The crew of the former USS Resolution (NCC-78145) participated in a series of interviews that sought to determine the cause of the science vessel’s destruction. Crew of the Juneau celebrates after an arduous time in the Aavaro Wilds AAVARO WILDS — During a stake-out mission to capture pirates, the USS Juneau (NX-99801) took cover in the Dirty Elbow nebula, where mind-altering subspace micro-distortions ripped through the ship. Migratory spaceborne species cause havoc at Amity Outpost BAROSSA SECTOR – The Federation Diplomatic Corp encountered an early hurdle at the Federation’s newest outpost in the Delta Quadrant when a herd of space-borne living forms settled in the vicinity. USS Thor consumed by newly discovered cosmozoan SORACH SYSTEM, DELTA QUADRANT – While conducting a survey of the Sorach System, the USS Thor (NCC-82607) encountered an, as of yet, unknown space-faring entity. Clandestine operation underway to save Commodore Rajel STARBASE 104 — Commodore Jalana Rajel of the USS Constitution-B (NCC-9012-B) was taken from Starbase 104 in broad station light when the crew was on shore leave following their previous mission, which left the Constitution seriously damaged. The post Starfleet Mission Updates: Stardate 239812 appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  2. The Federation’s Delta Quadrant debut was a sight to behold, and no doubt about it. The Grand Mezzanine of Amity Outpost – the Federation’s first permanent diplomatic installation in the D.Q. – brimmed with excitement. Kiosks served both regional information and delicacies to those in attendance, who represented a wide range of Federation and Delta Quadrant species and sociopolitical strata without exclusion. Newly appointed Ambassador to the Quadrant, Rivi Vataix, provided some reassurances to an audience of the Delta, Beta, and Alpha Quadrant species who’ve travelled to Amity Outpost to live, work, study, and trade: “…it is my honor to represent the Federation and bring the hope of peace, friendship, and the opportunity to learn from each other shared by over 180 worlds on the other side of this galaxy.” Welcome news to many of the politically inclined in the sector – but there’s a personal side to this mission, beyond the official story. For many Starfleet officers and their civilian counterparts, the mission to “seek out new life and new civilizations” is fundamental to their reasons for returning. Since the unexpected visit of the Federation starship, Voyager, a significant amount of galactic interest (both in Federation space and in the D.Q.) has been placed on one simple goal: connecting. Speaking about her new assignment in the Delta Quadrant, Junior Secretary, Keehani Ukinix, described the job as “a dream posting,” citing the myriad opportunities to forge stronger bonds with the diverse civilizations that make the D.Q. so exciting to the newcomers. Some may have taken this excitement a little further than expected. Few anticipated, for example, the appearance of a pedal-powered hover pub (evidently, a birthday surprise for the station’s First Officer, Commander Wil Ukinix – a relative of the Junior Secretary). While some may argue that the display indicates a lack of prudence or seriousness on the Federation’s part, this reporter found the absurdity reassuringly candid – presenting a less-polished first look at the new power. One can only hope that the speeches remain diplomatic while the hearts of the Federation’s staff remain authentic. What is it we, the people of the Delta Quadrant, have to look forward to from our new neighbours? While some speculate on the possibility of hostile or colonial intentions – concerns best left to the politicians – most of the individuals who work aboard Amity Outpost seem to have one thing in mind – the station’s namesake: “Friendship.” Even Amity’s tight-lipped Chief of Security, Commander Iovianus, was relieved. So that’s it, then. The Federation, for good or ill, is here to stay and they want to make friends – at least, so long as everyone continues to play nice. The question remains: what happens to those worlds disinterested in making room for new friends – and will the Federation be rigid in their approach to intra-galactic politics or take a page out of the locals’ books? Only time will tell. For now, this reporter believes we should give them a chance to prove the veracity of their words. To the Federation: a reminder that your actions will speak louder than your words. The people of the Delta Quadrant are prepared to judge for themselves. Shall we be friends, indeed? Story Courtesy of the Briori Sun The post UFOP’s Amity Outpost to Delta Quadrant: We Come In Peace! appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  3. BAJOR SECTOR — The USS Churchill (NCC-28836) has rescued former Federation president Nan Bacco and three others, nearly three weeks after they stranded on an uninhabited planet. Bacco was en route from Bajor to Starbase 375, concluding the first leg of a six-month lecture tour, when the runabout she was travelling in crashed on Argaya II. A Starfleet pilot, PO 2nd Class Kirkington Bean, and four other passengers were also aboard. “Out of nowhere, we just had this massive power failure,” said Bean. “Like, everything failed at once. I got the runabout down to the surface, but it barely held together for us.” The crash damaged much of the shuttle’s communications equipment, and the distress signal was too weak to cut through the magnetic field surrounding the planet. “I knew we had to get the comms beacon working again,” said Bean. “Or no one would even know we were here.” The Churchill arrived in the Argaya system two days after the runabout disappeared and immediately began searching for the missing craft. Interference from the magnetic field hampered rescue efforts, however, and after two additional days, they had made little progress. “We tried everything to cut through the magnetic interference,” said Lt. Zyda, Churchill’s chief communications officer. “But nothing worked. The planets were impossible to scan.” With time running out, the Churchill’s captain ordered away teams to search the planets on foot and by hover vehicle. Despite the teams’ best efforts, however, they failed in locating the runabout. Meanwhile, the survivors worked against time to repair the communications equipment and call for help. “Kirky was a genuine hero,” said Catrin Key, public relations manager for Bacco’s lecture tour, referring to Bean. “He worked nonstop on that beacon, pulling cables out of the runabout and trying to boost the signal. He also kept our spirits up, found us food and water, told us jokes, and gave us hope someone would rescue us. We wouldn’t have survived without Kirky.” After seventeen days, the Churchill’s crew prepared to call off the search, when the distress signal finally cut through the interference and gave the coordinates of the crash site, allowing the crew to mount a rescue less than an hour later. Four of the runabout’s six passengers–Bacco, Bean, Key, and Bajoran journalist Lemma Origu–survived the ordeal, while two passengers perished in the crash: C’Rau, Bacco’s personal assistant, and security guard Gurk Tango. All four survivors sustained multiple injuries, with Bacco suffering a broken collarbone and ankle, and several lacerations. Starbase 375 medical staff evaluated and released them yesterday. The medical team expects them all to make a full recovery. Speaking from an impromptu dais outside Starbase 375’s infirmary, Bacco said, “I am grateful to be alive. I am forever in the debt of the skilled rescue and medical teams who cared for us, and especially to Kirkington ‘Kirky’ Bean for keeping us going through so many dark days. I can not find words to express my grief at the loss of C’Rau and Gurk, who were close personal friends and members of my team for many years. My deepest sympathies go out to their families.” Key announced that Bacco’s team postponed upcoming speaking engagements on Berengaria, New Halana, and Trill indefinitely, but did not comment when asked about the rest of the lecture tour. The post Nan Bacco ‘grateful to be alive’ after wilderness rescue appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  4. DELROTH VI – In recent months, the intermittent civil war on Delroth VI has erupted into a fast-growing battle that no longer avoids civilian-populated regions. A significant increase in fighting was heralded by an explosion at the Governor H. De’Anaar Memorial Hospital, which killed many staff and patients, before minor clashes and skirmishes erupted all over the capital province in the hours that followed, with constant fighting continuing until today’s events. The rebel De’Na’Tan faction seized command of Delroth VI’s capital city earlier this morning amid heavy street fighting, with regime forces and Starfleet Marines dispatched to oversee the evacuation of several thousand Starfleet Medical personnel, as well as Engineering and Diplomatic personnel present as mediators and humanitarian workers. A government spokesman released a transmission to the neighbouring systems, assuring them that the military still maintained a firm grip over the city’s most strategic locations. The constant sound of heavy weapon fire and the numerous pillars of smoke do nothing to substantiate the official announcement. The De’Na’Tan are said to have armoured vehicles and heavy weaponry that were seized from military stockpiles or ambushed convoys. An unusual feature of the atmosphere on Delroth VI — which prevents transporters from being used to and from the surface — has filled the skies with a steady stream of shuttlepods and runabouts as Federation vessels in orbit race to gather up the threatened Starfleet personnel now that the situation has become untenable and highly dangerous for the Federation. Captain Hyster of the USS Mayoko, the flagship of TaskForce 288, would only remark on their deviation from a prior task to state that the safety of fellow Starfleet officers came first. “Our present directives have been superseded by the necessity to evacuate all Federation and Starfleet personnel from Delroth VI.” The evacuation of all individuals belonging to Starfleet, the Starfleet Diplomatic Corps, and Federation citizens is believed to be covered by the deployment of all Taskforce Marines to multiple extraction locations. Due to natural interference in the atmosphere of Delroth VI, the evacuation may only be carried out by ferrying personnel to waiting ships using shuttles and runabouts. Even as I write this, I can hear the first artillery rounds hitting near the border of this landing zone. More on this news as it develops. The post Rebel faction claims victory, heralding an end to Delrothian Civil War appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  5. From deep in the Beta Quadrant to the remote edges of the Shoals, here are the latest updates from the ships of the StarBase 118 fleet. Crew Of USS Juneau Confront Inner Demons In Perilous Nebula AAVARO WILDS — During a stake-out mission to capture pirates, the USS Juneau (NX-99801) took cover in the Dirty Elbow nebula, where mind-altering subspace micro-distortions ripped through the ship. Federation Begins Permanent Presence In The Delta Quadrant DELTA QUADRANT — A Federation Diplomatic Mission “Amity Outpost” is now established and operational, hailing a return to the Delta Quadrant two decades after Voyager’s arrival home. USS Thor Welcomes Amity Crew To New Outpost Home AMITY OUTPOST, DQ — After a month-long journey under quantum slipstream drive, the USS Thor (NCC-82607) offloaded the crew members of Starfleet and the Diplomatic Corps to Amity Outpost. Explosion Of Genesis Device Destroys Starfleet Vessel RINASCITA STATION — The detonation of a Genesis Device aboard the USS Resolution (NCC-78145) destroyed the ship, taking the lives of fourteen people, including those of Acting Chief Science Officer Iefyr Farrel and Acting Chief Engineer Chandra Amari. Chin’toka Seeks Refuge In A Gas Giant Amid Emergency Repairs JENATRIS CLOUD — After successfully repelling another attack by Valcarian forces, the Par’tha Expanse colonization fleet, led by USS Chin’toka (NCC97187), took refuge inside a gas giant to begin repairs. Terrorist Faction Seizes Control Of Miranda VII MIRANDA VII — Officers from Starbase 118 Ops investigate when information shows that a terrorist organisation has taken control of the Miranda VII outpost. Legendary Repair Station Of Ill Repute Hosts Starfleet For The First Time In Several Years RAFT-ONE, ALPHA ISLES — After a tense encounter with the Ferengi vessel Fortuna, the USS Arrow (NCC-69829) arrived at Forward Refit Station-1 (aka Raft-ONE) for repairs. Increase Of Pirate Activity In The Marchlands Raises Concerns For Missing Commodore STARBASE 104 — Commodore Jalana Rajel, commanding officer of the USS Constitution (NCC-9012-B) has been kidnapped from Starbase 104. Investigations lead to the recent increase of Orion Syndicate pirate activity in the nearby regions. Attacks And Explosion In New Sabyk Raises Many Questions Amid Mystery Plague DARIME IV — While a mystery ailment has so far only affected the Pelian population on Darime IV, intruders are making it impossible for the crew of the USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) to give the aid requested by the Pelian authorities. The post Starfleet Mission Updates: Stardate 239811 appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  6. BOLARUS IX – While most of these minor quakes have registered at magnitude 2.3 or lower, their unexpected frequency has been a source of concern for the commercial hub. With two earthquakes occurring on the same day, planet authorities have put measures in place in case there is more substantial activity soon. Seismic activity of 2.5 or less is often regarded as too weak to be felt. This implies there is no collateral damage and no civilians are affected. The planet’s massive underwater infrastructure have received the greatest attention in the safety measures, and the planet’s almost 6 billion residents have been told that there is no reason to be concerned. The measures have resulted in modest delays in minerals that flow via the Bolarus IX hub, while seismologists investigate and study the area. Rodinium and polyduranium alloys, which are extensively employed in the manufacturing of Federation spacecraft, are facing the largest delays. “We expect shipments to be back on track in the next days,” Factory foreman Yal Nehino said this morning in a brief video conference. “We do not expect to see any disasters, but we require a few short days of preparation to guarantee that heavier losses do not occur later on.” Although the delays are minor, Federation Shipyards. will undoubtedly feel them Consumers can expect a slight increase in the prices of alloys, minerals, and other goods that typically pass through the Mineral Chute trade routes until shipments resume on schedule. The post Minor Seismic Activity Delays Goods from Bolarus System appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  7. DEEP SPACE 3 — The culinary pleasures of Qo’noS may not immediately come to mind when thinking about exceptional gourmet dining. A fresh addition to Deep Space 3’s promenade promises to revolutionise everyone’s opinions about Klingon food. Wejwa’, the Klingon word for flavour, recently debuted to rave acclaim. The exterior décor is an eye-catching stone façade that leads down to a feasting pit that even Kahless would be proud of. The main dining hall is a splendour of rich, dark mahogany eating tables set against a dark granite motif. The walls are simply ornamented with uniquely Klingon flags and statues of elite warriors, as well as interwoven with candles and smoke elements to accentuate the original Klingon ambience. “We want folks to have a genuine sense of Qo’noS here! Klingon culture is centred on celebration and sharing,” said H’esketh, M’Rak’s daughter and the company’s owner and general manager. “Forget your Starfleet preconceptions of strewn tables and walls splattered with gagh and bloodwine. At Wejwa’, we honour our mothers’ and grandmothers’ cuisine by serving a warriors meal meant to excite all of your senses after a glorious day!” The cuisine appears to be traditional Klingon, with gagh and Targ being mainstays in many meals. The restaurant features many exceptional cuts of targ meat, including the jowl, maw, T-Bone, and rump cut, and every type of gagh is offered as an appetiser or main course. Don’t feel like eating a substantial bowl of live gagh? Customers might choose racht. The popular tren bread, blood pudding, brek chips, and grat root fries are among the side dishes. You can even finish your dinner with Klingon honeyed blood cake! Whether you like Klingon food or are feeling brave one evening, make sure to try an authentic taste of Klingon fare at Wejwa’, available only on Deep Space 3. The post Popular Klingon restaurant promises to wage glorious battle… on your tastebuds! appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  8. Is an adventure-filled career appealing to you? Do you seek to travel to distant places? Join Starfleet Academy and realise your dream while doing the job of a lifetime. Explore our range of campuses and see what fits you. There are several schools to select from, each with a distinguished reputation for graduating the top officers in the Fleet. The wonderful Academy main campus on Earth is in Marin County, California, beside the gorgeous bay. Cadets arrive from throughout the Federation to walk its hallowed halls and study from some of the fleet’s most seasoned officers. While the San Francisco campus is the most frequent location for cadets to attend, Starfleet also has various remote campuses that provide unique learning possibilities for individuals wanting a more specialised education near to home. Here are the top four, as well as the qualities that set them apart. Delaria, Betazed This location, which has one of the largest campuses, provides a wide range of majors and minors, including several that are distinctive to the indigenous context. It is a xenoanthropologist’s dream, with several possibilities to learn about the Betazoid people’s rich culture. This institution is most renowned for its counselling and diplomatic programs, and numerous Betazoid officials have played important roles in many Federation affairs by utilizing their mental abilities. Mak’ala, Trillius Prime The Trill Science Ministry supports the science activities on this magnificent university. It is regarded as one of the Federation’s top institutes, with a reputation comparable to the Vulcan Science Academy. It is also well-known for its advances in spatial and subspace anomalies, particularly the study of wormholes. They also have an excellent diplomatic program, second only to the distant campus on Betazed, with a curriculum primarily given by recognized Trill Diplomatic Corps personnel. The organization itself played an important role in Bajor’s admission to the Federation. Lor’Tan, Andoria The Andorian government, known for their combat skill and powerful military, formed a partnership with Starfleet to provide their distinct perspective to combat training. Currently, the Laikan Military Academy’s Department of Foreign Studies provides extension courses to Starfleet personnel. These courses’ curriculum aligns with Federation ideals while offering critical tactical evaluation and execution skills. Such abilities have given the Andorian Imperial Guard a respectable status within the Federation. Tactical officers and marines alike lauded the courses as excellent preparation for any officer, regardless of duty station. Vulcan The Vulcan Science Academy, which had a reputation for scientific prowess even before first contact with Earth, collaborated with Starfleet Academy from the Federation’s inception. Both parties’ knowledge merged to produce a curriculum based on both Federation principles and recognised Vulcan ethics. This resulted in a one-of-a-kind Science education that is unequalled among the member worlds. This curriculum provides hands-on exposure to topics such as wormholes, dark matter, and temporal paradoxes, as well as the opportunity to engage on groundbreaking research projects with recognised Federation and Vulcan scientists. Cadets and Starfleet officers may also learn diplomatic methods and strategies that have given Vulcans a reputation as effective mediators and negotiators. Regardless of which campus students visit or whatever degree they choose, Academy students can be confident that they will receive a top-notch education from renowned experts in their respective disciplines. Future distant campuses are continuously being considered, and the organisation’s future looks promising in terms of expansion and growth. Looking for a new adventure among the stars? Apply to join Starfleet today. The post Top Starfleet Academy Remote Campuses for the interested applicant! appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  9. From deep in the Beta Quadrant to the remote edges of the Shoals, here are the latest updates from the ships of the StarBase 118 fleet. Storm hampers communication with Darime IV colony and USS Gorkon amid pandemic DELUVIA IV — Starfleet crew from USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) have transported to the Darime IV colony to render aid during an unknown pandemic. A freak storm has rendered assistance from the vessel impossible. Antor II miners rescued as Veritas’ tour ends ANTOR II — A seismic event has triggered the partial collapse of a mine on the Southern Continent of Antor II in The Shoals, with an estimated thirty people still missing. Sparks fly during the USS Juneau shore leave AAVARO WILDS — After a successful First Contact mission, the USS Juneau (NX-99801) took R&R at Lightside Station. What was to be a relaxing shore leave turned out to be a wild adventure for some. Chin’toka defends colonization convoy from vicious attack by the Valcarian Empire FEDERATION SPACE — When the Par’tha Expanse Colonization Fleet came under attack, the USS Chin’toka (NCC-97187) and two other Starfleet vessels reacted quickly to fend off the attackers. A miniature adventure comes to an end and shore leave begins on Starbase 118 Ops STARBASE 118 OPS — The revelation that a reversed polarity electromagnetic surge would likewise negate the effects of the Orb of Perspective caused the afflicted crew and citizens to revert to their original bigger sizes. Uncharted mapping expedition reveals long lost Gorn Ark ALPHA ISLES — Responding to an unusual and anomalous reading, the crew of the USS Arrow (NCC 69829) discovered a derelict vessel and Ferengi profiteers within. Starfleet commodore missing after alleged retaliatory kidnapping STARBASE 104 — Individuals linked to the Orion Syndicate have kidnapped Commodore Jalana Rajel, commanding officer of the USS Constitution (NCC-9012-B). Crew of USS Resolution celebrates the Bajoran Gratitude Festival JALANDA CITY — After a deadly confrontation with a Q called “CloQ,” the senior staff of the USS Resolution (NCC-78145) enjoyed a brief period of rest and relaxation in Jalanda City on Bajor. USS Thor conducts Amity Outpost Senior staff to the Delta Quadrant DEEP SPACE, BEYOND THE FEDERATION FRONTIER — Following a special ceremony led by Federation Secretary of the Exterior Lily Ventu, newly minted Federation Ambassador Niarivi Vataix, Daughter of the Eleventh House of Betazed and her senior staff boarded the USS Thor (NCC-82607) for the month-long journey to Amity Outpost in the Delta Quadrant. The post Starfleet Mission Updates: Stardate 239809 appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  10. STARBASE 118 – A new dating program is sweeping the StarBase; a software named StarFlirt found within the personal LCARS systems. The dating application in which a person may enter their personal information and romantic preferences to find matching mates. The outcomes have been unsurprisingly mixed. “This program is incredible,” Ensign Kenny Swanson remarked. Ensign Jexsa Itreida, Swanson’s new lover, is wrapped in his arm. “StarFlirt has assisted me in finding the love of my life.” “It’s real,” Itreida said, smiling at Swanson’s obvious delight. “I never imagined I’d date someone who wasn’t of my own species.” Perhaps a closed-minded attitude, but StarFlirt and Kenny have enabled me to alter that.” However, further investigation into the new dating service found that not all stories are as pleasant. Ensign Sudima has gone on fourteen dates with StarFlirt recommended partners, but none of them have gone well. When asked about her views, she stated, “I don’t think Starflirt is suitable for me. I am not up to date with the language young officers use. I believe I will stick to more traditional means of finding a spouse until I have sufficiently researched the phraseology and lexicon requirements.” We were unable to locate the program’s author, but an anonymous note placed on the station noticeboard yielded a comment. “StarFlirt began as an innocent typo,” according to the statement. “Starfleet unintentionally became Starflert when drafting a mission report. It seemed like a flirt, so I thought, why not create a dating service for fleet members? Years in space might be difficult, but with a partner by your side, it can be so much better. If my program can assist some of my colleagues in starting a relationship, I consider it a success. I know it’s aided me.” You can find StarFlirt on the nearest library access terminal or your personal device. The post StarFlirt: Find your Romance Among the Stars appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  11. BAJOR SECTOR — The USS Churchill (NCC-28836) has launched an emergency search of the Argaya system following the disappearance of a runabout carrying former Federation President Nan Bacco. Bacco, on a lecture tour to promote her new book, had just finished a week of speaking engagements on Bajor and was on her return trip to Starbase 375 to rejoin Churchill. Catrin Key, the tour’s public relations manager; C’Rau, Bacco’s personal assistant; security guard Gurk Tango; Bajoran journalist Lemma Origu; and PO 2nd Class Kirkington Bean, a Starfleet pilot, were also aboard the runabout. “The runabout was under instructions to report in every twelve hours,” Churchill’s chief communications officer, Lt. Zyda, claimed. “When they didn’t check in, we contacted other ships in the vicinity to get a fix on their position.” Later that day, a passing Galador freighter transmitted the runabout’s distress signal to Churchill, who departed Starbase 375 promptly to intercept. “Petty Officer Bean stated that the runabout’s propulsion and life support systems had been damaged and that it was seeking for a suitable spot to land,” Zyda added. The uninhabited Argaya system, located on the boundary of Federation and Cardassian space, includes two habitable planets and more than a dozen moons. Both planets have extraordinarily disruptive magnetic fields, making it difficult to find the runabout, any probable wreckage, or indications of life. Survival specialists have recognized the difficulties of surviving for an extended amount of time on any Argayan planet or moon. “Just because they’re habitable doesn’t guarantee they’re hospitable,” remarked Tri-Planetary Academy’s Dr. Elivil Shagrar. “Argaya II has almost no edible flora, while Argaya IV is 92 percent ocean.” Neither would be a good place for an emergency landing.” As Churchill’s search entered its fifth day, public personalities from around the Federation released comments expressing their outrage at the loss of Bacco’s runabout and expressing optimism that the search teams will be able to safely rescue everyone onboard. The Vedek Assembly, many of whose members attended Bacco’s lectures on Bajor last week, proclaimed a global day of prayer, and Berengaria—the next scheduled destination on Bacco’s tour—postponed all cultural activities and programming planned to accompany Bacco’s lectures the following week. “Nan Bacco and I differ on many issues,” Kevin Steiner, a Terra Nova Federation Council member, commented. “But I always know she has the best interests of the Federation’s people at heart. Adelise and I have Nan’s family, and the loved ones of everyone aboard that runabout, in our thoughts.” The post Nan Bacco missing, feared dead after runabout vanishes appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  12. In his latest column, Lixa Dansha examines whether the Federation Security is fit for purpose in the light of growing threats to the Sol System. On 239807.16, a pirate ship penetrated the Sol System and reached Jupiter. They were able to avoid disaster thanks to the operations of the USS Endeavour when pirates attempted to plunder the colonies of Europa. The courageous crew of the Endeavour stopped them, but it is still disturbing that any ship could travel that deep into Federation Core Territory without injury. Have we not learned from the synth massacre on Mars, which is still raging today? Wouldn’t someone be able to find a ship for hours by using Starfleet Command’s defence arrays? Despite this, it took a week for a “routine communications blackout” in the Federation’s home system to be examined. This is an unforgivable lapse, and while Starfleet Command, the Earth Government, and the Federation are all conducting separate investigations, it is yet another evidence of a deteriorating Federation, one that is less able and willing to defend its people from harm, even in core space. I, for one, am outraged by this, and I believe you should write to your local Assemblymember and demand genuine action and reform. Stop sending ships across the border if we can’t even guard our own. And, while I believe we should pursue our lofty aims of exploration and discovery, they must not come at the expense of our own citizens’ security and prosperity. If we wish to achieve both, we will need to strengthen Starfleet’s defence capabilities, as recommended by Assembly Member Allen Faymouth of Auriga Prime. With the ongoing influx in new ships, many of which are designed to replace older ships, we need adequate nodal assistance to avoid this intrusion from reoccurring someplace else, with much worse consequences. We need to act immediately before a tragedy occurs. The post Act Now: The Federation’s Failing Security appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  13. From deep in the Beta Quadrant to the remote edges of the Shoals, here are the latest updates from the ships of the StarBase 118 fleet. Chin’toka to rendezvous with the convoy for a new Federation colony FEDERATION SPACE — The USS Chin’toka (NCC-97187) arrived in Federation space after several days of journey to meet the convoy fleet heading for the Par’tha Expanse to commence colonisation activities. Crew of the Resolution head to shore leave after a deadly encounter with Q THE BORDERLANDS – The Q, appropriately named “CloQ,” had a penchant for time manipulation and repeatedly forced the crew of the USS Resolution (NCC-78145) to replay the same five minutes in which they had to witness the ship’s demise. USS Thor triumphant in Starfleet wargame simulation CHIN’TOKA SYSTEM — The USS Thor (NCC-82607) has emerged victorious over the USS Nashira and her veteran commander, the celebrated Commodore Ossa V’Airu in a Starfleet tactical exercise whimsically codenamed “The Mugato vs. The Bunnicorn.” Rescue attempt for Rigellian shuttle at Deluvian Regatta DELUVIA IV — The crew of the USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) rushed to discover an explanation after waking up from a telepathy-induced slumber. Thirty miners and two Starfleet officers trapped in mine ANTOR II — A seismic event has triggered the partial collapse of a mine on the Southern Continent of Antor II in The Shoals, with an estimated thirty people still missing. Shrunken crew and civilians get kidnapped, cause mayhem before rescue STARBASE 118 OPS — The abducted, shrunken, but far from helpless Starfleet crew staged a spectacular escape, causing havoc for the pirates who had captured them. USS Arrow celebrates moderate success with good times on Deep Space 3 DEEP SPACE 3 – After the mission to the planet Gentii opening potential relations in the future, the USS Arrow (NCC-69829) returned to Deep Space 3 for rest and reorganization. Sentient rights and citizenship sought for two holograms from the USS Constitution STARBASE 104 – The crew of the Constitution believes that two holograms on board the ship have attained consciousness. The first is a Mark II EMH whose software was transferred from the USS Atlantis, while the second is known as the ‘holographic hair stylist’ among the crew. USS Juneau makes first contact with a sentient city during rescue operation on Ring 42 biomes STARBASE 104 – The crew of the Constitution believes that two holograms on board the ship have attained consciousness. The first is a Mark II EMH whose software was transferred from the USS Atlantis, while the second is known as the ‘holographic hair stylist’ among the crew. The post Starfleet Mission Updates: Stardate 239808 appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  14. ASHALLA, BAJOR – Data uploaded to the public communications network has been disseminated across the planet, prompting a flurry of difficult questions for the leaders of Bajor’s spiritual life. According to the material contained therein, a resistance cell operating about three decades ago was duped into raiding a supposedly abandoned warehouse in Talmulna, Musilla Province of Bajor. Believing they were assaulting a high-level gathering of Obsidian Order agents, the gang inadvertently slaughtered a number of Cardassian refugees fleeing persecution for their religious beliefs. Documents appear to suggest that these individuals adhered to the Orlian Way, an old religion dating back to Cardassia Prime’s Hebitian Age, and were under the protection of the Vedek Assembly. However, the most damning claims imply that the Vedek Assembly actively participated in concealing up the massacre and spirited members of Bajor’s resistance cell away from potential Cardassian retaliation. This revelation comes after a series of damaging and extremely contentious releases in recent months, all pointing to war crimes and cooperation committed during the latter years of the Occupation of Bajor. At this point, it is unknown whether this recent discovery is related to prior ones. Further reports from Talmulna-based sources, two persons, thought to be farmers, have been detained in connection with the downloading of these recent files. When pressed, Talmulna City Chief of Police Dekin Sidath declined to comment, saying, “While it is true that we detained two civilians — a man and a woman — we are not presently providing any information on their identities, ages, or the offences they are accused of. At this time, the City Constabulary has no additional comment.” If these allegations are proven to be true, it could pose significant challenges for the Vedek Assembly, which has drawn galactic ire for refusing to reach out to followers of the so-called ‘Ohalu sect,’ a group of Bajorans who take a more secular approach to the Prophets and question the divinity of Bajor’s gods. Trai Sempin, a political pundit on FNS’s Illuminating the City of Light, said late last night, “The Vedek Assembly has had a tough few months, to put it mildly. Despite a rising number of Bajorans clamouring for reconciliation, they refuse to reach out to followers of the Ohalu texts and are now personally embroiled in covering up a crime that might have long-term sociopolitical ramifications for Bajoran-Cardassian relations. People are already starting to regard them as hopelessly out of touch, but this makes them appear to be arbiters of the law, which has a deadly ring to it.” When questioned about the claims this morning, a spokesperson for the Bajoran administration refused to say if he believed allegations, but did add that “such severe concerns should be examined carefully and at the highest level.” A spokeswoman for the Assembly was unavailable for comment, citing preparations for the upcoming Ha’mara celebration. The post Vedek Assembly implicated in massacre of Cardassian religious refugees cover-up appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  15. CESTUS III — Former president Nan Bacco embarked on a six-month tour of the Federation this week, coinciding with the publication of New Blood, New Ideas, the first volume of her memoirs. “It seems right to begin this voyage here since it is where all of my adventures have begun,” Bacco said of her home planet, as she began the tour at Pike City Public Library. “Everything I have done in public, everything I’ve achieved, I owe to the spirit and ideals of this humble, extraordinary, and remarkable Cestus III.” The former president spoke for about 90 minutes about her early life and entry into politics, answered questions from the audience, and signed souvenir printed copies of her book before departing Cestus III aboard the USS Churchill. The ambitious speaking agenda will see Bacco criss-cross the Federation with stops at 30 planets, including Aurelia, Bajor, Earth, Pacifica, and Vulcan. According to Catrin Key, public relations manager for the tour, over 75% of scheduled dates have already sold out, and venues on Berengaria and Risa have added additional dates to meet the demand. “The lecture tour is intended to bring the life of Nan Bacco into three dimensions,” said Key. “People know the public persona—the politician, the head of state—but very few people know Nan Bacco the person.” Nan Bacco has had a modest public presence since leaving the Palais de la Concorde five years ago. She rarely speaks on current political problems and makes few public appearances, as is customary for past presidents. Political analysts saw Bacco’s biography and lecture tour as an effort by her to move into a new career as an elder stateswoman. “This is fairly common with former officeholders,” said Professor Emil Arbelaez, chair of the Political Science department at Pike City University. “Bacco has waited a respectable amount of time to allow her successor to stamp her mark on the office. Now that she has the freedom to talk freely, I believe many in the Federation will be interested in hearing what she has to say.” Bacco presided over the Federation’s greatest period of prominence and position as an Alpha Quadrant power, from 2379 until 2393. Her tenure, however, was not without controversy. Under Bacco’s presidency, the Federation faced through Gorn and Vaadwaur incursions into its territory, the aftermath of the Hobus supernova, and the Federation Transport Union strike of 2392, which dominated the last year of her presidency. The memoir and lecture tour concentrates on her life prior to and including her term as governor of Cestus III, so listeners wanting to hear tales about her time as head of state may be disappointed. However, according to Bacco’s public relations staff, a second memoir may be released soon after the first. “The former president has experiences and stories to fill many volumes,” said Key. The post Nan Bacco begins 30-planet lecture tour promoting her new book appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  16. While many know of the Prime Directive and the ethos of non-interference it so proudly contains, fewer outside the rarefied air of Starfleet Command know of the Temporal Prime Directive. This guideline, much like the directive on which it’s formed, has the laudable goal of preventing the unknowable disastrous effects that come from the misuse of time travel. Unfortunately, much like the Prime Directive, it is regularly ignored by Starfleet officers in the field for a variety of nebulous reasons, usually with the justification that their actions were unavoidable and taken with enormous care. Classified as many of these mission reports are, even the few public records that exist paint a damning picture of a Fleet where expediency and self-interest govern decision making over that of the safety of the timeline. Famous examples from the earlier, ungoverned days of Starfleet are the stuff of many amusing conversations, but recent events in our more enlightened time suggest that the recklessness of those early five-year mission commanders are still far more ingrained than Starfleet PR would like you to believe. Late last year, the USS Veritas provided another data point in the ongoing conversation about the dangers of time travel. After an unfortunate run-in with the Borg Collective, an unknown event flung them six centuries into our collective past to do who knows what damage, then returned to not quite their present time. The only long-term consequences of this gallivanting through the timeline? A stern reprimand from that famously toothless organization, the Department of Temporal Affairs, and a merry round of handshakes and cavalier backslaps among the ship’s crew and officers. Several officers spoke to this reporter on the topic, but they provided little meaningful reassurance that their commanding officers took the awesome responsibility of time travel seriously. “I’m positive that my past and present Commanders know what they’re doing when it comes to temporal anomalies and the effects they have. They are very knowledgeable of course or else they wouldn’t be in charge!” Lieutenant German Galven expressed this chillingly reductionist logic, who claims to be a quantum physicist and temporal researcher. He continued, “Temporal psychosis is a genuine concern, however limited exposure to the stresses of time travel so far seem to have no lasting effects on individual crew members.” When asked about the consequences beyond the immediate crew, Galven dismissed this author’s concerns as paranoia and fear-mongering. Not so, says honoured quantum physicist Dr Gulliver Drex. “The result could be as mild as an inconvenience or as severe as the ship being ripped apart for no apparent reason.” In this writer’s humble opinion, there is a need for a renewed call for safety and reason when it comes to matters quantum, and I for one will forward my concerns directly to the Federation Counsels Scientific Oversight committee. If you share my concerns, not just for yourselves and your families but for the whole of time itself, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your representatives and tell them that there is no more time for these dangerously old-fashioned attitudes. The post Ripples in the Pond – The Consequences of Time Travel appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  17. CARDASSIA PRIME — Following the resignation of Cardassian security Secretary Rollott Ilric, announcements made across the Cardassian Government have indicated mass disruptions throughout the agency, amid reports of a takeover tender from a new political party. Officials across the ruling Detapa Council have released statements designed to assuage the concerns of citizens across the Union, stating that the purpose of the shakeup was not to bring about another Obsidian Order — the infamous intelligence agency that acted with impunity for centuries until its collapse a quarter of a century ago. “The freedoms and rights that Cardassians everywhere currently enjoy are not under threat,” said the spokesperson for acting security Secretary Eja Trall, who replaced Ilric following his ouster. “This government is committed to a fairer and freer Union for all and that is not about to change. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.” However, Trall’s spokesperson — speaking at a press conference — refused to be drawn on reports that the replacement of multiple high-level persons within Cardassian Intelligence happened due to growing support for the nationalist Cardassia First party. In recent months, Cardassia First has gained support from some quarters because of their conservative and hawkish views, which include greater monitoring of civilians and an increased military budget in order to defend the Union against what they call ‘imperialistic Federation expansion’. Seventeen months ago, now former Secretary Ilric criticised the Detapa Council for agreeing to reparations for those families who lost homes and loved ones during the Union’s conflict with the Maquis in the former Demilitarized Zone in the 2370s. Ilric called them “unnecessary and offensive to those Cardassian families who suffered at the hands of terrorists”. Cardassia First seized on those comments and there were reports they were courting Ilric for a position within their ranks, although the parties involved denied it flatly. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Security Under-Secretary Thraitt Malnac appeared to confirm that the systemic purge of the agency has had repercussions for many ongoing operations “in the short term” but that this would not affect the internal or external security of the Cardassian Union. “CI continues to be a quadrant leading intelligence apparatus that upholds to respect and preserve the safety and rights of those living within our borders. There is no cause for alarm at this juncture”. Detractors of the move include Koti Arit, a fiercely outspoken civil rights activist and critic of the current administration. In a statement at a rally in the Coranum District of the First City, Arit pointed to the fact that the motive behind the purge was still mostly unknown, despite what she calls ‘vague’ government assurances. “If the purge ensures safety, then why is it shrouded in mystery and enigma?” Arit stated. “Cardassia First represents a clear and current danger to our rights – and if the purge of CI rid the agency of their influence, then the Detapa Council should scream about it from the rooftops! As usual, our leaders’ belief that ‘everything is fine’ is leading to complacency and stagnation – breeding grounds for nationalist rhetoric that will take us back to the dark times of the Order and Central Command!” The Federation News Service has reached out to Acting Security Secretary Trall’s office for comment. The post Cardassian Intelligence shake-up in systematic purge of agency appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  18. PHOENICIS SYSTEM — Today, the governments of Heinalious, Vermillion, N Scorpii and Ketaki announced the formation of the Provisional Guardianship of Phoenicis and the formation of the Provisional Pact of Scorpii, to oversee the path to Phoenicis reforming. In addition, they indicated they had hard questions for the Federation, including why so many of the Federation personnel in the region were found to be subverted by the government. On stardate 239602.01, a badly damaged civilian ship dropped out of warp in the Heinalious system. Luckily for them, the Heinalious Self Defense Force had been taking part in a defence drill with the Saber-class USS Misty Valley and were soon rescued. Within 12 hours, an impromptu task force amassed led by Captain Mariyu Ramias of the Misty Valley. It was later learned this was over the objections and orders of the Federation staff posted in all of those systems. This task force could assemble swiftly, revealed Scorpii Pact spokesperson Kyoja Kujo, because many of those systems depended on refining facilities in the Phoenician systems, as well as raw goods it generated for their own economies. They had been working on plans to investigate when messages sent received bland assurances from either the Federation staff or the government that it was a malfunction or issue with the refineries. Forcefully entering the system, the task force encountered a self-defence power way over permitted maximums by the Federation. A battle ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides, but eventually, they could reach Phoenicis IV, and forced a surrender of the government, disabling the blockers. It was at this time that the wider galaxy learnt of what had happened. Investigations by both the surrounding systems, the Misty Valley, and a Federation envoy determined the cause to be Talon Hayabusa, the High Commissioner for the region. Inquiries revealed that he had, over the last decade, slowly replaced officials with those who would be loyal to him over everyone else, and subverted other figures. A trial convened immediately, however, it is expected to draw on for some time. There is now a fight for venue between the region’s choice, N Scorpii IX, and the Federation’s choice, Starbase 310, located just outside the Phoenician Stormlands for the former High Commissioner, with the Federation agreeing that the crimes of the former system government should be tried on Vermillion. “We understand the needs of the local governments, who were most affected by the criminal plans of the former High Commissioner, to seek justice in local venues.” Harriet Howe reiterated in a brief statement on the manner. “However, we need to make sure that the accused faces a fair trial of his peers, and we assure them that all delegations will attend the trial.” However, this only seemed to increase the unrest, with snap polls showing wide anger and outrage at the Federations actions, and what they see as them favouring the core world staff over the fringe only increased. Polling shows nearly 75% dislike, and unrest is growing — save for Starfleet, which they saw as a guardian with the actions of the Misty Valley. Even that has its limits, as many see Starfleet as beholden to the whims of the Federation. “Sure, Starfleet does its best to help us when they can, including making sure we can protect ourselves,” said one member of the Ketaki House of the Enlightened, who asked not to be identified. “And we are grateful that most of the starship captains have fully understood our concerns and done their best to assist. But they have to obey the orders of the Federation, and I wouldn’t want to rely on that, nor ask them to betray their orders. Maybe what we need is something more local that we can rely on, instead of distant and out of touch Earth and Starfleet Command.” “This is something that I would be far more worried about,” says Dr Katherine Helewys, of the Stability Institute, newly formed on Freedom’s Progress, within the Serellian Sector. “It’s got all the signs of a crisis, including widespread anger at all Federation institutions, and reasons for both sides to have issues reaching a compromise. In addition, this kind of long-term corruption rarely goes unnoticed, so there’s possibly more to be discovered.” “We are watching the situation, and working with the Provisional Pact to reach a fair situation,” iterated the Federation Council statement. The Federation Council declined to comment more. The post Crisis in the 8576 Phoenicis System appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  19. ASHALLA, BAJOR – Several former Starfleet science officers living on Volan III during the Dominion War were arrested yesterday under suspicion of collaboration with occupying forces. Home to a successful Federation colony within the Demilitarised Zone, and third inhabited planet in the system, Volan III was the centre of much controversy during the Dominion War. It is also known to history as the birthplace of the Maquis. Several Starfleet officers found themselves stationed there under the command of Lieutenant Commander Calvin Hudson, amid the formation of the Maquis and contention involving the ladarium mining sluice embedded in the mountains. Following the handover of the colony from the United Federation of Planets to the Cardassian Union, Cardassian Central Command ordered the armament of their stationed citizens in the wake of a suspected Starfleet plot to take the colony by force in 2370, hampered by the involvement of the Maquis resistance. The inhabitants of Volan III endured significant hardships applied by the Cardassian Union, including the sabotage of replicators, leading to several deaths. Stationed on the colony during the turbulence, the arrested Starfleet scientists remained there in the years after the war, retiring from their prestigious careers to support the local community. However, records recently unsealed from the Bajoran Central Archives include Cardassian records of suspected Starfleet collaborators — those with the means and access to deploy war secrets and fleet movements to the Dominion during the occupation. “We have uncovered what we believe to be concealed communications between the Starfleet element stationed on Volan III, and the Obsidian Order — the Union’s former intelligence agency,” explained Yama Toreni, Director of Acquisitions for the Bajoran Central Archives. “Bajoran authorities are moving to uncover further evidence while we continue our search into the archive. For now, there are continued implications of involvement from Starfleet on a level we didn’t expect.” Director Yama refused to elaborate further on the suspected content of the communications, and has deferred all further inquiry to the Bajoran government. In a surprising move, Vedek Elian, who voiced concerns over the leaking of the recently uncovered involvement of Iba Sizo — restaurateur and owner of the popular Bajoran-Terran chain known as The Orb of Taste — issued a statement to the wider press regarding the suspected involvement of the Starfleet scientists. “The assumptions and allegations made toward Starfleet involvement during the troubled era for the colony is worrisome,” the statement led with. “While the Bajoran authorities continue their investigation, we implore Starfleet and the Federation to take some accountability for the actions of their former officers, and involve themselves in the process early.” Archivists are certain there are more records to uncover as they continue their cataloguing efforts. The post Former Starfleet scientists arrested in Cardassian record controversy appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  20. MINING COLONY, EUROPA — Starfleet launches rescue operation against a pirate assault on moon Europa following the loss of contact with the Mining Colony. Starfleet lost contact with the lone mining colony on the Class-D moon Europa last week. Believed to be a communications malfunction, Starfleet dispatched the recently commissioned Akira class, USS Endeavour, to investigate. As their first task out of space dock, the newly gazetted Captain William Valette led the Endeavour to the colony. On arrival to Europa, the crew of the Endeavour found the colony damaged. Conducting further scans showed two vessels with unknown markings had landed in the colony. “We found the mining colony had taken damage by phaser fire, and unknown ships had landed there, however, the caverns on mining colonies such as the one on Europa are deep and our sensors can’t scan to the lower levels,” stated the Endeavour’s Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander Victoria Rione. Two away teams assembled and quickly mobilised to enter the colony, in the North and Southern entrances, to locate the survivors. However, when they entered the compound, they were quickly ambushed by pirates taking the supplies. “We were to beam in, secure the survivors and beam out,” commented Ensign Lang, who led the away team entering the North of the colony. “I lost two of my team members in a few seconds! We weren’t prepared for an attack on two fronts.” After fighting through the entrances to the compound, where the pirates were most concentrated, the phaser fire stopped and the away teams regrouped; three Starfleet personnel were transported to the Endeavour’s sickbay and treated with minor phaser burns, while they counted eleven pirate marauders dead. Under the orders of Valette, the away teams descended into the tunnels of the colony, where the actual miners would extract the dilithium deposits. They returned later with the colony’s miners and administrative personnel, all accounted for, who had apparently hidden in the lower levels when the pirates bombarded the compound. “When we saw the pirate vessels on our sensors, we quickly made the choice to enter the tunnels,” explained Chief Miner Christopher Vlarekk, grateful to see the Away Teams. “It’s great to see Starfleet sent a ship so soon!” Upon beaming down engineers to the colony to repair the systems and equipment the pirates damaged, the Endeavour left Europa and returned to Starfleet Headquarters to report the incident. “As much as a Captain shouldn’t wish for such an engagement as his first mission, it was great to see my crew perform superbly at a problem that turned serious, quick,” commented Valette on the events that transpired. “The injured crew members have now reported back on duty with enthusiasm.” The Endeavour and its crew will be on duty again within the next few days, and the Chief Miner of the Europa Mining Colony has asserted that once they removed the pirate vessels from the surface, they can resume normal mining operations. The pirate incursion into the system is under investigation and a Starfleet Marine detachment is to be stationed there for the coming months. The post Europa mining colonists found unharmed after attack appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  21. PARIS, EARTH – The Federation political scene was shaken today by the unexpected entrance of the Pakled Political Party into the hotly contested Presidential race. Making their announcement via subspace on a frequency usually reserved for agricultural purposes, the PPP stated they are unhappy with the current direction of Federation politics and wish to bring an outsider point of view. “We are smart!” said lead Pakled representative J’ak T’ak R’ak S’ak, “We will make the Federation go again!” When pressed for details, the destination and means were unclear. After a heated exchange among themselves, during which the broadcast was not paused, The Pakled Political Party made clear it intends to campaign on a platform of hawkish military action. “We are STRONG!” said presumptive nominee S’ak, who then attempted to demonstrate that strength literally by firing his ship’s weapons. Unfortunately, his ship was targeting the same subspace relay they were using for their announcement, so any further discussion was summarily concluded. Federation political pundits appeared sceptical of their chances. “While it’s always encouraging to see new races toss their hats into the political arena, there isn’t even a Presidential race this year,” said Gaylen Jai, a senior political correspondent, “so it’s not entirely clear what their aim is.” Others were not so quick to dismiss the Pakled delegation. “It’s nice to see an outsider candidate for once,” said one anonymous commenter. “The current President has been involved in politics for too long to really know what it’s like for us ordinary citizens. We’re living in a post-scarcity utopia that provides for our every means, but do we really want to share that with the entire galaxy? I want the President to focus on US first.” The PPP did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story and, instead, directed us to a subspace information stream riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. The post Pakled Political Party announces candidacy for Federation Presidentship appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  22. ILLYR SYSTEM — Illyr, near the neutral zone with the Klingon Empire, has experienced several spatial phenomena over the last few weeks. Most notable of these was the appearance of sudden Tachyon traces located somewhere west of their world. The USS Kuipers, a Nova-class starship, received orders to divert an earlier DNA sampling mission to Antica in order to investigate Illyr. Captain Nicolas Falcon, a known expert of the Sub-Particle Model, is elated with the task. “We at Starfleet are always willing to lend a hand investigating what the members of the Federation cannot do on themselves.” He spoke to the Illyr Ambassador. Starfleet expects the Kuipers mission to last for at least six months, with multiple objectives in the Illyr system. Aside from the Tachyon field, there are also indications of Tetryon bursts and an impending collapse of nebular matter in the Archanis Sector. Multiple scientists of Starfleet institutions have expressed interest in collaborating with the Kuipers to evaluate the data. Dr T’Raaru, a leading scientist into energy theory, has already transferred to the Kuipers to act as a consultant science chief. The post USS Kuipers begins mission in Illyr System appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  23. DELARIA, BETAZED — While Betazoids may have a reputation for being carefree and quick to forgive, memory and emotion both run deep on Betazed. Few large-scale tragedies have ever struck this peaceful world, although the Occupation by Dominion forces during the War is the significant exception. We have already spilt much ink on this subject over the twenty-three years since those days, most notably the famous and controversial autobiography of the Vorta Overseer Nardhal Three, ‘Things I Did for the Founders’. Starfleet Academy opened a Campus on Betazed shortly after the Occupation as a part of the sweeping restoration efforts carried out during that time. Now, a generation later, the Occupation Memorial is opening its doors within the Campus’ expansive Visitor’s Centre. Taking up much of the Centre’s Third Floor, the Memorial is a sombre and powerful space, its dark violet décor strongly evoking Dominion designs. Many lit alcoves surround the walls, each containing an artefact from the dark days of the War: a cracked Starfleet combadge, a lost child’s doll, Dominion propaganda. Dominating the room, however, is the duranium statue at its centre, shaped as a lit torch atop a pillar. Snaking around the column’s circumference in one long, spiralling line are the tiny names of the many who died or vanished, victims of the Occupation. This project was largely driven by the efforts of a formalised group of Betazoid Cadets called the Betazed History Society. Select few are old enough to remember the War first-hand. “Some of us may not have lived through these events,” the Society’s president, Rixe Adulu said to reporters, “but we’ve all been told the stories by our parents, by everyone of that generation. Of course, we know how it made them feel, and how it still makes many of them feel. That’s the principal reason we wanted to set up the Memorial, really. The pain is still very real for many of the people who went through it, and we hope the Memorial will serve as a place of reflection and recognition.” Donated exhibits have come from many places, and many were in storage in the Xenology Department, but several have arrived from private individuals and collectors. The organisers are truly grateful for the generosity extended into building the Memorial. The Betazed History Society is keenly aware eventually, there will come a day where the Occupation exists only in historical records, third-hand stories and sites like the Memorial. As Adulu put it, “Built to commemorate the past, designed to persist into the future.” The Occupation Memorial opened last month. Other attractions of the Visitor’s Centre include its extensive Art Gallery, an exhibit on Shuttlecraft designs through the centuries, and the famous café Sacred Chalice of Rixx. The post Starfleet Academy Betazed Campus opens Occupation Memorial appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  24. From deep in the Beta Quadrant to the remote edges of the Shoals, here are the latest updates from the ships of the StarBase 118 fleet. Cartel and Klingon revolutionary attacks prison convoy THE SHADOWS — A Klingon revolutionary and her cartel allies attempted to kidnap a prisoner before being thwarted by the USS Veritas (NCC-95035) and the Ohanze, the native species of the Shoals. Starfleet and Klingon Empire emerge victorious from last battle with Cult of Molor STARBASE 118 OPS – After years of fighting in the shadows, the Cult of Molor made a decisive strike against both the Klingon Empire and Starfleet, only to lose in the final hour. Ownership claims of the planet finally settled by the crew of the USS Juneau ATURN VII — On the Golden Feather, the ship of the DaiMon Kaybay, who attempted to assert his dominance and ownership of the planet, was the missing team from the USS Juneau (NX-99801). Dilithium Mine overrun by Orion Syndicate liberated by USS Constitution-B DEEP SOUTH DILITHIUM MINE – Having defeated two Orion Syndicate ships at significant cost to the USS Constitution (NCC-9012-B) herself, her crew worked to free the captured mine. USS Resolution dispatched to locate missing science vessel Hanno in Briar Patch BRIAR PATCH – The Hanno, an Oberth class ship, transmitted a distress call indicating a crash was imminent and launched an emergency distress beacon, which successfully transmitted a signal to Deep Space 224. Cardassian Prison escapees discover experiments conducted on prisoners behind the facade UNKNOWN PRISON, DMZ — Escapees of a Cardassian prison within the DMZ have reportedly found their captors have subjected them to horrific experiments aiming to advance the Cardassian Union. Promotions and unexpected guests for the USS Arrow upon arrival at Risa RISA – Following the harrowing but successful second contact mission on the planet Venthis, command of the USS Arrow (NCC-69829) decided that the crew deserved a trip to the pleasure planet of Risa. USS Chin’toka heads to Oscion to begin talks with the Great Houses PAR’THA EXPANSE — Learning the Federation has put out a call for new colonists to settle in the Expanse, the USS Chin’toka (NCC-97187) has recently departed for the Capital of the Par’tha Expanse, Oscion. USS Thor bends Prime Directive to the breaking point CALABRUM, 61 CYGNI SYSTEM – The shock discovery of a vibrant medieval culture descended from Starfleet survivors should have been the biggest challenge thrust upon the crew of the USS Thor. The post Starfleet Mission Updates: Stardate 239806 appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  25. SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH — Starfleet Academy temporarily removed a holographic training simulation from its rotation this week, after two cadets were hospitalized with severe panic attacks while participating in the exercise. The simulation requires tactical cadets to defend a starship against a Borg attack, while their engineering counterparts attempt to repair the propulsion systems and escape. “The cube filled the entire viewscreen,” said Snur, a Bolian engineering cadet who took part in the training. “When we heard them say ‘Resistance is futile,’ I was terrified. I forgot we were on the holodeck.” According to Snur, a single moment in the simulation provided the trigger for both cadets’ panic attacks. “The tractor beam was pulling us toward the cube, and this massive hatch opened,” said Snur. “It felt like we were being devoured.” Emergency medical staff transported the two cadets, whose names they did not release out of privacy concerns, to the Academy’s on-campus medical facility. They were both released several hours later. Cigruth Fellv, a Starfleet commander and professor of engineering at the Academy, stated that faculty would review this program before using it again. “While confronting stressful, real-life situations is an integral part of the experience,” said Fellv. “We do not intend the simulation to cause cadets injurious or debilitating anxiety. We will examine the simulation closely, in particular the imagery we used, to ensure its continued suitability as a learning tool.” Educational institutions have used simulation-based examinations for centuries. Prior to holographic technology, universities and credentialling authorities employed mechanical devices and living actors to simulate emergency situations, medical conditions, and other practical experiences. Perhaps the most famous, or infamous, Starfleet Academy simulation is the 23rd century Kobayashi Maru scenario, which tested command-track cadets’ ability to cope with a no-win situation. For more about Academy training simulations and stress reactions, see this interview, which FNS reporter Alexander Morningstar conducted with Captain (now Commodore) Jalana Rajel in 2394. AM: Could you explain in your own words the importance of holodeck technology in training cadets to meet the demands of a captain such as yourself? JR: I believe that the entire experience at Starfleet Academy prepares cadets to enter their lives as officers. Holodeck simulations can help with these preparations. While we can’t prepare cadets for every single potential situation, the Academy base the training and exam on actual events happening all over the fleet and provides an excellent foundation on training. They basically help cadets learn to work in teams, to focus on the important parts of a situation, and how to make quick decisions, hopefully to the advantage of the crew they work with. AM: Since you too would have experienced something similar, can you briefly recall your experience and how you felt during the encounter? JR: That has been a while, but I remember that in my exam simulation our ship was captured by a boarding party of Romulans. Despite being a medical cadet, I had to keep my phaser at the ready, which I would have liked to avoid. I felt nervous, especially after we identified our opponents. It may come as a surprise, but it is very easy to forget that one is part of a simulation. AM: Would you say that strengthened you as a person or has it negatively affected you? JR: It absolutely strengthened me. I believe that if I hadn’t been thrown into that situation, I would have been really useless on a ship, being thrown into the real thing for the first time without practise or preparation. AM: What can you say to the accusations that simulating life-and-death situations seems potentially traumatic? Maybe even cruel? JR: I don’t think it is. Imagine you find yourself in such a life-and-death situation for the first time. Wouldn’t you prefer it was on the holodeck in safety that gets you prepared, instead of it being real life and freezing up because all you know is the theory? I know I would. AM: Do you have any advice for someone who has just joined Starfleet and is worried about such a simulation? JR: The simulations have safety mechanisms. You won’t die or get badly hurt. If you fail one, pull back your shoulders and try again. This is an invaluable experience that will help you learn to evaluate your situation and make quick decisions when it really counts in your later life. AM: In your experience does this method properly prepare a cadet for their futures aboard a vessel such as the USS Constitution? JR: There is no method in any training of any institution that prepares you for everything. But they take the simulations from proper missions or are at least based on them. So, yes, they prepare cadets for their future as an officer of Starfleet. The post Cadet hospitalizations expose stressful nature of Starfleet training simulations appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
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