Federation News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH – Starfleet officials declared a major blow dealt against Sicarius with the arrest of government officials and Starfleet officers alleged to have been working for the terrorist organization. In a stunning announcement, Starfleet Intelligence, working with Starfleet Command and Security in a sanctioned fleet-wide operation, has concluded an eleven month long sting operation that stretched from Starfleet and Federation Headquarters on Earth to stations, ships, and planets across Federation space. Starfleet Intelligence operatives had apparently penetrated the lower level of the terrorist organization toward the end of 2392 and slowly began to compile a list of the agents, handlers, initiates, and anyone else in the employ of the Sicarius group. Starfleet Security had previously concluded that the loss of Prometheus Station last year in what became known colloquially as the Prometheus Incident was caused purposely by Sicarian agents thus jeopardizing millions of lives throughout the galaxy. “We were shocked how many people Sicarius managed to slip into various levels of local and Federation government,” explained Colonel Joseph Terrill at Starfleet Intelligence headquarters. “In some cases, key and high administrative places, which allowed them to gain access to sensitive information. Sadly, even within Starfleet Intelligence administration itself, as much as it pains me to say it. The decision was finally made from Starfleet Command to arrest these individuals, all at once, without tipping our hand to Sicarius’ top level players.” Read the rest of this article at Starfleet Intelligence delivers lightning strike against Sicarius terrorists on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Commander David Cody and Captain Nugra (Lieutenant John Nugra) of the USS Athena.

PARIS, EARTH — In an unexpected twist of events, the Federation Council has upheld its decision to forbid Bajor from hosting the trial of Cardassian war criminal Breloc Tejar. Over three months have passed since Tejar was located in Federation territory. Though a full investigation was launched in the hopes of identifying the reason for Tejar’s trespass and the circumstances surrounding his discovery, little understanding has been gained. Despite this, the Bajoran Council of Ministers launched an appeal toward the Federation’s leadership, attempting to repeal a previously established verdict. The first attempt to gain this recognition failed, with the Federation denying permission for the relatively new member world to host the proceedings, citing the less than impartial views held by much of the ruling body on Bajor. It was felt that someone who had helped to strip a planet of its natural resources and enslave the population would not receive a fair and impartial trial or be protected from the public. The upholding of this verdict has enraged many Bajorans, both within and without the government. “It’s inconceivable. Outrageous!” said Azin Gredia, a member of the Council of Ministers. “We are a member of the Federation and have been for more than five years. As such, we are guaranteed equal treatment under the Articles [of the Federation], but this example of discriminatory behavior proves that such lofty aspirations are often abandoned when convenient.” Read the rest of the article at Federation Council refuses Bajoran appeal to host trial of Cardassian war criminal on the Federation News Service. View the full article This article was written by Lieutenant Randal Shayne of the USS Darwin-A

QANTA CITY, RISA — After three years of qualifications, teams across the galaxy have gathered for the Galactic Soccer Championship to vie to become champion of the Galactic Cup. Risa has promoted this event gracefully among the social networks and is receiving its well-deserved work back. As the planet known throughout the galaxy as the “pleasure planet,” it is receiving already a 64% increase in guests. The Risa Hedony has expanded their hotels and increased the beaches for guests to enjoy their time. Starfleet Security has been asked to oversee the security of the event and the streets at Qanta City. The Risians’ soccer team coach is already expressing the gratitude that the tournament is being held on their beloved homeworld. “We are honored to be chosen by the Galactic Soccer Board as the host of this beautiful event,” said coach Temal when he was spotted by one of the reporters that awaited the team’s arrival at the Rain Resort & Spa. “We look forward to show our skills on the field and fight bravely for the cup.” Read the rest of the article "Galactic Soccer Championship set to break loose on Risa" on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Ensign Nak'aqi Socxo of the USS Za.

BENNELONG CITY, SAPPORA VII — Markets sector-wide were up this week as the Federation Council bestowed the status of potential candidate on New Sydney, the first major success in that planet’s efforts to join the Federation. New Sydney applied for Federation membership earlier this year in the hope that access to new trade markets and offworld investment would solve its ongoing economic woes. Fiscal mismanagement, corruption, and declining trade revenue have kept the planet in depression for over a decade, during which an estimated four million inhabitants have left seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Read the full article at fns.news This article was written by LtCmdr. Didrik Stennes of the USS Darwin-A.

JALANDA CITY, BAJOR — The Federation Art & Cultural Council has selected Bajor to host an extensive collection of art and cultural works from worlds throughout the Federation. Most historians agree that Bajoran civilization flourished as much as a hundred thousand years ago, with some claiming evidence of civilization as far back as half a million years. The Bajorans had been creating art and music thousands of years before most Federation species were even walking upright. Even today, the Bajoran people are renowned as artists and musicians. Many records of Bajor’s ancient history were lost during the fifty years of Cardassian occupation and have only been rediscovered in recent years. The Jalanda Museum of Art was rebuilt ten years ago, along with the neighboring Jalanda Forum, a renowned music hall. Proponents had been petitioning for the rebuilding of the structures since the end of the Occupation, but it took many years for the resources to become available. Both the museum and forum have been rebuilt, the resulting complex named the Jalanda Cultural Institution. While their internal construction consist of the latest construction techniques and standards, the exteriors of the Institution buildings were designed to replicate the architecture and mortarless construction techniques of ancient Bajoran structures. View the full article This article was written by Lt. Commander Ayiana Sevo, Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Gorkon.

KHITOMER — In what’s sure to become one of the largest events in recent galactic history, staff from the Federation and the Klingon Empire are working overtime to prepare next month’s celebrations on the Klingon planet to mark one hundred years since the signing of the Khitomer Accords in 2293. The Khitomer Conference was the first step in a century of peace between the two powers, which has only been disrupted briefly in 2372, when the Klingon Empire withdrew from the Khitomer Accords and fought the Federation while under the covert influence of the Dominion. The following year, Chancellor Gowron reinstated the treaty and the Klingon Empire, Federation, and eventually the Romulan Star Empire all united in the war against the Dominion that lasted until 2375. Though there have been tensions at times between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, most recently when the Klingons invaded Romulan territory in 2389, the alliance overall has been credited with helping usher in a period of galactic peace and stability not seen in centuries. “Do we have disagreements with the Klingons from time to time? Of course,” said Professor Emil Arbelaez, chairman of political science at Pike City University on Cestus III. “But like any good friendship, we understand we can have those disagreements and still respect one another and be there for each other in times of need.” Not everyone is so sure of the lasting effects of that friendship, however. Continued piracy and raids from what the Klingon High Council officially deems as rogue elements have caused consternation along the Federation’s border worlds. “If the Klingons are really serious about peace and the alliance, then they need to do a better job of cleaning house,” said Federation Transport Union official Akilah Kalu. “The Federation has ensured the safe passage of Klingon merchants throughout Federation space. It’s time the Klingons do the same for Federation merchants on their side of the border.” Such disputes and disgruntlement is unlikely to be discussed at the anniversary celebrations which will be held on the same site as the original Khitomer Conference of 2293. Event organizers have scheduled a number of high profile speakers including both current Federation President Narala, current Klingon Chancellor Daeshon, former Federation President Nan Bacco, and Churok, a columnist for the Federation News Service who covered the original Khitomer Conference and who later served as press secretary for Federation President Ra-ghoratreii, who signed the original Khitomer Accords alongside his Klingon counterpart Chancellor Azetbur. In addition, both Starfleet and the Klingon Defense Forces have made arrangements to showcase the pride vessels of their fleet, with demonstration performances by both the Federation and Klingon fighter corps and a parade of ships that will feature both current and historical vessels from the late 23rd century. Among those from Starfleet will be the vessels of the Invicta Expedition: USS Tiger, USS Garuda, USS Mercury, USS Syracuse, and USS Invicta herself. Rumors are circulating that a certain fabled Constitution class vessel may be pulled from the Starfleet Historical Museum for the occasion, although museum officials had no comment when asked. “It’s going to be both celebrating history and making history at the same time,” said Professor Marius Stana of the University of Alpha Centauri. “Even if you’re not a history buff, it should prove to be quite the party.” The post Preparations underway for centennial anniversary celebration of Khitomer Accords appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article

TYCHO CITY, LUNA — Luna’s local elections are still six weeks away, but a holographic candidate seeking election to the Tycho City Council has brought unprecedented controversy to the normally uneventful campaign period. The hologram, who is human and male in appearance and goes by the name Tenebrius, submitted the required documentation to Luna’s Commission for Elections last week. Drawing comparisons to other famous historical firsts, Tenebrius described sentient holograms as the latest in a long line of victims of institutional disenfranchisement. Addressing supporters at a rally at Aldrin Park, he said, “There will never be true equality for all sentient beings until all sentient beings are represented in our parliaments, our deliberative assemblies, and yes, our local councils.” View the full article

EARTH — For the first time in 70 years, the Olympic Games will return to Earth in 2396 to celebrate the fifth centennial of the storied athletic competition that has since spread across the Federation. The Olympics can trace their origins back to Ancient Greece on Earth, but the Olympic Games we know today were first held in Athens in 1896. These early games were held among the individual nation states of Earth, and it wasn’t till three hundred years later in 2170 that the first non-human entered the competition, the Denobulan swimmer Lerus. It took another 70 years before Earth competed as a single planet. “I am really excited about the games being held on Earth. I have seen plans for new stadium in Havana, and it looks pretty cool,” said Jonas Kowal, who was the bronze medal winner in archery at the 2392 Olympic Games held in the Andorian city of Lor’Vela. “It will give all my family a chance to see me compete together. My great-grandmother has never been more excited as she can’t travel, but I’m lucky as there is usual one member of my family at each of the competitions to cheer me on.” View the full article

INTAR SYSTEM — In what is being called a blatant violation of the Deneb Conventions on Diplomatic Relations, the diplomatic vessel Nancy Hedford came under attack and was boarded by Tzenkethi forces. The Daystrom Institute is in mourning today as word hit the Federation Subspace Network that two of its most prominent researchers had been killed in a boarding action carried out by what the Tzenkethi government is calling “a renegade crew.” View the full article

TRINITY SECTOR — Following the successful clean-up operation of a derelict area of StarBase 118, the Federation have entered an unusual external regeneration contract for the popular frontier station with the Lurtz Corporation. Until recently, an area of StarBase 118 known as “The Below” had been little more than a rumour, with tales of shady deals and a darkened past with all access officially sealed off and classified. However, recent criminal activity pushed the area back into the light of day following a brief and extremely successful raid by a combination of the 292nd Marine Regiment and local law enforcement officers. With the area now devoid of criminality, it seems that the Federation have decided to take a new approach when it comes to deciding what to do with the ill-fated area by reaching out to an external investor and contractor. Madame Lurtz, the Kobheerian who lists highly on the richest investors and traders of the quadrant, has won a tender to develop the large area of the station as prime real estate, promising a transformation into a “Venice of ancient Earth”-like area replete with canals and “traditional” architecture. View the full article

EARTH — With the 80th anniversary of the Federation Achievement Assessment, some now are questioning the usefulness of the standardized test taken by billions of Federation children. Created by the Federation Curriculum and Assessment Authority, the Federation Achievement Assessment (FAA) is described by its creators as “simply” a general achievement test that lasts a maximum of five hours long and involves two written tasks and 100 multiple choice questions, assessing students’ general knowledge and skills in written communication, mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and social sciences. The FAA is included in the derived scores for university entry assessment processes, though not directly. The test is also used frequently in individual school assessment and has been described as an “insurance policy” for students. Students will participate in the required assessment this time next week, and while not all schools in the Federation participate in the FAA testing program, 70% are involved in the testing and subsequent scoring. Despite the test’s longevity, concerns parents and teachers alike have about the FAA seem to be growing in scale to when it was first introduced eighty years ago. “We’re using an outdated scoring system. Bajoran schools who have only just involved themselves in the Federation’s education system wouldn’t even know where to start,” says council member Barshek Veiar of the Bolian Plus Education schools. “We’re far past actually using it to determine entry to additional learning.” View the full article

RISA — The popular pleasure planet and tourist destination began a large overhaul of its aging weather control system. The network, which was installed nearly three hundred years ago, will be slowly upgraded with new computer hardware, atmospheric control systems, seismic regulators and energy collectors, and security upgrades over the coming months. Before the installation of its weather control system, Risa was a wet and humid planet, similar to Ferenginar. Rain and hurricanes were common, as well as frequent earthquakes. The indigenous Risian population mostly lived in small communities, sometimes in caves or underground to avoid the elements. Due to its high tectonic activity, Risa’s landmasses have been broken into ten small continents dispersed along the equator, with two large oceans in the northern and southern hemispheres. These large bodies of water, coupled with the planet’s tilt causes temperature differences in the ocean, forming large and powerful hurricanes, a major driving force of the planet’s rainfall. View the full article

The year was 2286. Earth had just survived the Whale Probe crisis thanks to a certain fabled crew. But that year also marked the opening of the Venture Museum, which honored the legacy of another Constitution class starship. Now in its 107th year of operation, the museum has continued to be a hot attraction for all ages. View the full article

SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH — Starfleet officials released a report today that proposes a reorganization of its network of recruitment centers. Seeking to reverse the continued decline in applications to the academy, the report recommends closing approximately fifty centers with consistently low recruitment and reassigning their resources and personnel to existing centers where recruitment is steady or rising. In addition, approximately twenty new centers would be opened in areas of so-called “high impact potential,” such as New Sydney, which has applied for Federation membership. View the full article

BAJOR — The unexpected capture of a Cardassian war criminal in Federation territory has caused diplomatic tensions to mount between the Federation Council and the Bajoran Council of Ministers. Breloc Tejar was a Cardassian overseer during much of the Occupation of Bajor. Known as a ruthless enforcer of the law and for his less-than-charitable attitude toward the Bajorans under his command, Tejar is directly responsible for the death of thousands of Bajorans, either through ordered executions or other means. Now, a quarter of a century after the Occupation, Tejar has been arrested within Federation territory. Officials have declined to comment on how the former overseer was captured. View the full article

PARIS, EARTH — Following a diplomatic failure to secure mining rights from the Sarshayet, the strained dilithium market has begun taking its toll on trade and starship production across the Federation. The reclusive Sarshayet in Nebula KR27-B were open to becoming members of the Federation as well as offering rights to mine their nebula for much needed dilithium, but negotiations fell apart after Federation representatives missed the summit due to malfunctions aboard the USS Apollo-A, which suffered issues with her quantum slipstream drive. View the full article This article was written by Cmdr David Cody of the USS Doyle-A. Submit your own story to the FNS!

TYPHON SECTOR — Retired Starfleet Vice Admiral Val’ri Raiajh will take on her next posting as the Federation ambassador to Bel-Terra. The former Base and Sector Commander for Starbase 719 and the Typhon Sector who recently retired was named by Federation Secretary of the Exterior Lily Ventu as the ambassador to the colony world. Those I’ve spoken to on the base, including current Base Commander Captain Cathryn Pearson and newly installed Sector Commander Vice Admiral Kalin Kale wish the recently widowed Raiajh well in her new posting. View the full article

INTAR SYSTEM — Starfleet and Intaran military personnel have foiled a Tzenkethi attempt to use an asteroid as a weapon against the planet Intar. It was only a matter of luck that the latest attack by the Tzenkethi was seen for what it was, rather than the natural disaster it was intended to look like. View the full article

CYGNET XIV — Unrest over the revelation several months back that the government had concealed information about the theft of a bio virus continues with no sign of resolution as the planet reevaluates its membership with the Federation. View the full article

SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH — Following years of planning, the Federation Council gave final approval for the launch of the Federation Frontier Teaching Initiative, an education program for children and teachers on non-Federation space stations and in colonies. View the full article

TILANNA V — The troubled planet of Tilanna V, once rejected for Federation membership, has found solace within the Klingon Empire. In a quick move, which has left some Federation political observers reeling, the border world which was recently at the heart of a narcotic smuggling scandal has today formally lifted the flag of the Klingon Empire over its soil. Recently, the planet has been besieged by terrorist gangs attempting to expand their web of distribution for a deadly new drug known as “All Time High.” Through actions by the USS Aegis and her crew, a coup attempt was narrowly avoided and peace restored. With consent, FNS writer Manisha Patel secured an interview with current Tilanna Governor Al’Akir, who had the following to say regarding the surprise annexation. View the full article

In the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant lies a station offering both new sights and familiar comforts and tastes for the adventuring traveler. With increasing frequency, quantum starliners are crisscrossing the vastness of space, turning far-flung destinations into reasonable getaways. Planets such as Bajor, Cestus III, and Deneb IV can now be reached from Earth in hours or days instead of weeks, and the skies are opening up to a new wave of casual holiday makers. For hardcore travelers, however, slipstream travel presents a unique opportunity to journey to another corner of the galaxy, and Outpost Unity, a newly constructed space station in the Delta Quadrant, is quickly gaining a reputation as an adventure tourism hotspot. View the full article

NAGIL IV — The Federation’s strained dilithium market was hit hard by the loss of yet another key source of the precious mineral, following a core meltdown at a processing center. As the mining strike continues on Verona III, confirmed reports show overproduction at a mid-sized production facility on Nagil IV led to a core meltdown from equipment which had, over several decades, developed tiny microscopic fissures. These fissures caused the plant’s generator core to fail, leaving a crater where the plant’s power core once stood. View the full article

INTAR SYSTEM — With the impending departure of USS Kumari, Captain Yineth Nikara arrived today to assume command of Starfleet forces in the area. Hailing from the highlands of the Rakantha Province, Yineth Nikara was born during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. The son of a member of Bajor’s ruling body, the Council of Ministers, he became an agent for the Bajoran Resistance at the age of eight, after the murders of his father and elder brother. View the full article

SAN FRANCISCO — The United Earth Parliament published its calendar of sitting dates for 2394, revealing which cities will host the planetary legislature during its two plenary sessions next year. Nouakchott will host the February session, and Punta Arenas will host the August session. Committee meetings and any emergency sessions will sit at the parliament’s permanent facility in San Francisco. “The ‘traveling parliament’ scheme was created in 2387, when it was decided to finally renovate and expand the current parliament complex in San Francisco,” says Jay McCloskey, Assistant Director of Parliamentary Services. “The initial plans necessitated the Parliament find another location for up to ten years.” View the full article