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Federation News Service

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  1. STARBASE 118 — After an extensive retrofit, the venerable starship USS Columbia was reactivated under the command of newly promoted Captain Theo Whittaker. The Nebula class USS Columbia (NCC-85279) has taken part in many missions for the Federation, her last assignment being one of the ships attached to the Andaris Task Force in the Par’tha Expanse. Although still connected to the Andaris Task Force, the Columbia will leave the Par’tha Expanse to its new responsibility of exploring the Sagittarius Reach, a vast unexplored region outside of Federation space. Joining Captain Whittaker will be the crew of his previous assignment, the Olympic class medical vessel USS Blackwell, which is being decommissioned for an expected overhaul. The USS Blackwell has seen quite a few adventures herself: confronting an ancient enemy, the Hur’q, and the most recent transpired to a search and rescue of a very old and previously deemed lost crew of the starship USS Fortwith on a lifeless planetoid, P-409 Sigma. The Blackwell has been recalled after requiring many repairs and refitting due to the dangerous nature of the Par’tha Expanse. Vastly improved since it was last in service, the Columbia has been retrofitted with the latest technology, including a top-rated propulsion system, state of the art sensors, cutting-edge medical facilities, and expanded sciences laboratories. The vessel holds a special place in the hearts of a few of the senior staff, including Captain Whittaker, as the Columbia was the first ship they had served on before the retrofit. Some of the newer crew members expressed excitement in transferring to their new ship. “I wasn’t in Starfleet when the Columbia was first launched, but I am excited to serve aboard a ship with the history the Columbia has,” remarked Chief Tactical Officer Krindo Pandorn. Admiral Vivian Hauke at Starfleet Command spoke to the press as well about the relaunch. “We at Starfleet Command extend our best wishes to the Columbia and her crew on their endeavours in the Sagittarius Reach,” she said. The post Starfleet relaunches USS Columbia after major refit appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article This article was written by Lieutenant Krindo Pandorn of the USS Columbia
  2. ALDEBARAN III — Despite protests from some faculty members, the Aldebaran Music Academy has decided to accept the application of a holographic student for the first time in the school’s history. The student in question, Cecilia, first applied to the school in 2394. Her application to the academy’s program for musical composition was originally dismissed on the grounds that a hologram was definitionally incapable of exercising a creative talent such as composing music. Cecilia was originally part of a jazz club holoprogram created by a Tycho City holoprogrammer. Unusually high levels of activity caused Cecilia to develop a distinct personality and hone her musical talents beyond the original scope of her programming. The program’s original creator noticed this abnormal activity and allowed her program to run continuously so that she could have a degree of autonomy. After several months, Cecilia decided to compose an original piece of music and apply to the Aldebaran Music Academy, only to have her application disregarded. Cecilia reapplied this year after the school’s Admissions Department underwent numerous staff changes. Last month, Egrim Urdaar, the school’s director of admissions, announced that the Admissions Department had overturned their previous decision and accepted Cecilia’s application for consideration. Among his reasons for overturning the decision, Urdaar cited the case of Emergency Medical Hologram v. Broht & Forrester as evidence that holographic beings were capable of producing artistic works. While not case law, the legal dispute did provide sufficient cause to reverse the school’s stance on accepting applications from holographic beings. Yesterday, Cecilia announced that the Aldebaran Music Academy accepted her application and that she will be admitted to the school next year as a member of the Class of 2399. Advocates for the rights of holograms are celebrating this decision as another step towards the extension of full rights to sentient holograms. “The Aldebaran Music Academy has a long history of fostering some of the greatest musical talents for generations,” said Urdaar in a public statement. “We will continue to offer the opportunity for any and all future musicians and composers to study music at our institution.” Experts expect this decision to renew debate surrounding the rights of sentient holograms both in general and as artists specifically. The Aldebaran Music Academy, with the permission of Cecilia, has released the original composition included in her application for public enjoyment. This article was written by Lieutenant Anath G'Renn of the USS Columbia. The post First holographic student accepted to Aldebaran Music Academy appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  3. CESTUS III — The thriving baseball league on the Federation world of Cestus III has seen a new team, the Traerston Tigers, join its ranks. All baseball lovers Federation-wide are aware of the state of the league on Cestus III when it comes to its quality of play. While always fair and a good show, it has yet to happen that a team from the Top League of the Cestus III Baseball League reaches a high ranking in the Federation Galactic Cup. The Traerston Tigers are hoping to change that by inviting multi-title winners Bill Cleansy (batter, Earth planetary team regular, Ex-Achilles) and top pitcher Jammy Allen (pitcher, Alpha Centauri planetary team regular, former player for the Black Gladiators) to their line-up, as well as some new local and old veteran league talents. Rumour has it the team has been receiving regular donations and sponsorships, allowing them to reach such high-quality players. “I am very happy to have joined the Tigers,” said Bill Cleansy. “The group is known for fair play and as a real underdog. Helping them to the top would be a challenge Jammy and I are certainly looking forward to!” When the never-so-talkative Jammy was asked about a chance in the local Federation Cup, not to be confused with the coveted Galactic Cup, he reacted with it being a “possibility.” According to Sports Analytics, the Tigers are already a contender for the Cestus III League Title, simply because of their lineup. However, a chance at winning a multi-system Federation title such as their local Federation Cup might still be far off. This article was written by Ensign Wallace Williams of the Duronis II Embassy. The post Cestus III gains new baseball team, possible league title contender appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  4. THE SHOALS — After weeks of no contact, Lieutenant Kehive na-Soldim has been declared missing in action as search parties find no trace of the Starfleet ranger or his runabout. The Starfleet Rangers are the individual supporters of colonies – Starfleet’s answer to calls for more presence in the areas of up and coming settlements when resources are scarce. Those with the best qualities Starfleet has to offer leave the collective safety of a crewed starship or deep space installation and venture out solo to assist civilians in their quest to explore strange new worlds and call them home. One such officer was Lieutenant Kehive na-Soldim, sent to a remote world on the border of what Starfleet has considered contested space in a little-known area of the Shoals region. Lieutenant na-Soldim’s mission was to survey the Thura system in preparation for the establishment of an observatory outpost. When na-Soldim missed two scheduled check-ins, Colonial Coalition Marshals Service deputies began a search for him, but no sign of the ranger was found. The area is known for rare appearances of Tholian scout vessels, though none have ever ventured as close to Federation territory as the Thura system, which is close to the Colonial Coalition colony world of Havley’s Hope. “We are doing everything in our power to locate Lieutenant na-Soldim. At this time, we have ruled the Thura system off-limits to civilian vessels. Though we are looking into other possibilities, Tholian involvement has not been ruled out,” said Coalition Marshals spokesperson Saeyai Jea in a statement to the FNS. “Our thoughts go to Lieutenant na-Soldim’s family, and we ask that any information regarding his whereabouts be sent to us immediately.” To date, there are just a handful of Starfleet rangers within the Shoals, sometimes even assigned to watch over entire sectors – far beyond any one person’s typical capability. Since na-Soldim’s disappearance, there have been calls for the rangers to “return home.” “These are individuals asked to ‘handle’ entire an entire star system’s worth of people!” said Coalition activist Sarah Scotsman on Antor II. “Colonies ask for patrolling vessels to make us feel safer, crews to lead the way and assist with scientific endeavors, and they send one person? They ask us to wait for confirmation from their one-man surveyor before we can establish an observatory, and he mysteriously goes missing near Tholian space. Starfleet’s response is for our Marshals to look for him? We are better off on our own. Starfleet should send a crew or none at all.” Aagan Eislas, a member of the Twentieth House of Betazed, which is known for its ongoing support of Betazoid colonies far from the homeworld, believes it’s not that simple. “Starfleet is not here to manage civilian colonies, and they’re not here to provide resources,” said Eislas as he addressed concerns on Donova IV. “Colonies that branch away from home must be prepared for a certain lack of support. Starfleet are explorers, defenders, and diplomats. To have them is a luxury – they simply cannot be everywhere and anywhere, at every settlement’s beck and call – nor should they be. We are losing focus on what’s important: a man is missing. The Coalition’s focus should not be on a political statement but on ensuring that a missing Starfleet officer is returned home safely to his family.” Anyone with information regarding Lieutenant Kehive na-Soldim is asked to contact authorities immediately. This article was written by Lt. Cmdr. Sky Blake of the USS Veritas. The post Starfleet ranger missing in action near Tholian border appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  5. FERENGINAR – Executives of the Slug-o-Cola company announced this morning a surprise merger agreement with upstart competitor Lappa IV Beverages. The long-standing conglomerate Slug-o-Cola has fought a bitter war over the production of soft drinks in recent decades with both Eelwasser as a primary competitor and the newly formed Lappa IV Beverages in the last few years. While some prefer the slimy texture and sweet flavour of the Slug-o-Cola signature brand, the soured grittiness of the Lappa IV Lap-It-Up, made from the Zan Periculi flower native to the planet, has appealed to a select group of drinkers and has taken the galactic market by storm. The sharp rivalry escalated recently over the Lappa IV Beverages challenge “Lap Around Lappa IV,” in which contestants were encouraged to perform loops of the planet in private vessels. “Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity!” said the challenge’s winner Ubonk, son of Slug-o-Cola’s chairman Commissioner Nilva. “Right, father?” The challenge courted controversy on social media, with calls for a reassessment of the race following Ubonk’s surprise victory. The Ferengi Commerce Authority was prompted to investigate the alleged breach of the terms and conditions stipulated by Lappa IV and determined the rules were not breached; however, Commissioner Nilva has declined to comment further. The merger of both companies is a combining of efforts and recipes to secure the Slug-o-Cola brand and Lappa IV Beverages names into household history books for centuries to come. Market experts were astounded that a merger had been negotiated, yet there were many hopes for a bright future. Profit seemed to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds as the market leaders met today for a final discussion on the particulars of the asset consolidation. “Sales have already increased; our stock prices have soared,” said Leralis, stock leader at Slug-o-Cola, while sipping down a hearty Lappa IV Lap-It-Up soft drink. “You know that old Ferengi rule 45: Expand or die!” This article was written by Lieutenant Jocelyn Marshall of the USS Gorkon. The post Merger in the Ferengi beverage industry surprises market experts appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  6. PSI EPSILON III — The recently decommissioned USS Melroy has been restored to its original state and turned into a museum that documents a previous era in Starfleet history. The USS Melroy was launched in 2296 from the San Francisco Fleet Yards and was finally decommissioned in late 2394. The ship’s career spanned decades of exploration, border defense, and fighting with the Seventh Fleet in the Dominion War. After suffering heavy damage during the war, the USS Melroy was fully repaired and assigned to patrol the Cardassian border. After its decommissioning, the ship was moved to Psi Epsilon III to serve as a museum ship administered by the Federation Science Bureau. The USS Melroy has been restored to its original 2296 configuration, undoing a minor refit after the Dominion War. Furniture mimicking the original style has been installed. Modern technical upgrades were removed, and a recreation of the original computer interface was installed on the ship’s computer. Visitors to the ship are beamed from the planet’s surface to the USS Melroy’s transporter room before being guided on a tour of the ship. Important stops on the tour include the main bridge, the captain’s ready room, main engineering, and the shuttlebay. Visitors also tour crew quarters, the crew lounge, and the museum facility located in the Deck 21 Cargo Bay where items from across the ship’s long career are on display. Former Melroy science officer and retired Starfleet Commander Marcus Taylor gave a speech at the museum’s opening ceremony praising the efforts being undertaken to preserve the Melroy and the era of Starfleet history it represents. “When I walk down the corridor to my old quarters on Deck 7 or I pass by the lounge where I got coffee every morning before reporting to the lab with Jim, I can almost convince myself that I’m back in 2312,” remarked Taylor. The USS Melroy Historical Center is open to the public and hosts six tours each day. Visitors are advised to book in advance due to high demand. The post Decommissioned Excelsior-class starship becomes a museum appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  7. BETAZED – Rich and intriguing fables and myths passed down through generations for thousands of years have now found a new home in the contemporary art scene of the Federation. Hotly debated by many Tellarite contemporaries, the Scroll of Eternal Feasting is a blood-soaked battlefield of callous ancestors, ancient enemies, early settlements decimated by failed terraforming projects, and stolen agricultural land amidst the promise of flourishing hydroponic farms. It is a tale transcribed in distinguished language, however, never truly agreed upon, and has now become the feature of a tapestry on display at the University of Betazed. “You know you are standing beneath something truly magnificent when a Tellarite is stunned into silence,” Senral Usei, Secretary of Culture on Betazed advised, during a recent interview. “University students from around the Federation have created this marvelous homage to the mythology. It is positively breathtaking.” The tapestry delves into the mythological stories surrounding and leading up to the creation of the Scroll of Eternal Feasting, starting with the conception of the universe under the supreme being Hovah, the embodiment of the gleaming qualities associated with the soul, and the pitched battle with Krognik, the wolf-like demon personifying the depths of blackness the Tellarite heart can reach. The confrontation is a heavily symbolic fight of good nature against evil essence. The epic saga is encapsulated with the tale of the Eternal Feast itself; a magnificent celebration of raw fruits and vegetables, symbolising the Tellarite dominance in agricultural engineering, while the hollow bell line plays, symbolising a refusal to submit to the temptations of Krognik and rise into the good graces of their soulful entity Hovah. It is unsurprising that the most consistently debated element to this tale is the presence of Grablin Tlorsh. Though highly venerated in the Hall of Heroes for his early hydroponic techniques, Tlorsh allegedly caused the destruction of an ancient settlement on Tellar due to misuse of inaccurate drilling apparatuses. The featured tale has also been the subject of a revival with a recent holonovel series, A Feast of Farmers, and the three-part epic holonovel, The Hollow Bell Chimes. Both works were written and published by non-Tellarites. While these retellings of the significant historic saga differ considerably in their adaptations, Tellarite fans are quick to advise that it does not mean they are incorrect. The legend has been adapted to fit a variety of purposes throughout the thousands of years it remained oral history before being transcribed, and, in the case of The Hollow Bell Chimes, has provided a fresh spin on the events taking place prior to the Eternal Feast. The author Tis Ch’evhaahlol apparently studied classical Tellarite language to provide her own translation of the literature. Toblis Skaorn, Secretary of Culture on Tellar, was only too happy to be invited to the official unveiling later this month. She spoke joyously of the labour and debate techniques of those students who endured the famous Tellarite stubbornness and pride to craft the masterpiece. “My people are thoroughly honoured by the dedication and commitment shown in preparing this piece,” said Skaorn, upon arriving at Betazed for a pre-unveiling meeting. “I hope this will pique interest in our long and beautiful mythological culture.” The tapestry will be on display at the University of Betazed until late 2397 when it will be transported to Tellar to be hosted. While the unveiling is by invitation only, the exhibition itself is open to all. The Hollow Bell Chimes by Tis Ch’evhaahlol and A Feast of Farmers by Erud Vex are available now at libraries and holosuite providers. This article was written by Lieutenant Jocelyn Marshall of the USS Gorkon. The post Tellarite mythology undergoes a reawakening in contemporary art culture appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  8. STARBASE 74 – The court-martial proceedings against Commander Victor Yaeger, previously the commanding officer of the USS Astraeus, are scheduled to begin today. Yaeger presided over the accidental stranding of the Astraeus, resulting in the deaths of 46 members of his crew. Though Yeager and his attorneys have been tight-lipped about the specifics of their defense strategy, Yeager is expected to plead not guilty to more than a dozen separate charges, including conduct unbecoming an officer, dereliction of duty, and gross negligence. The incident occurred while Yeager was serving as commanding officer of the Astraeus for a highly regimented shakedown cruise intended to test the capabilities of several experimental modifications to the newly-refit Galaxy-class starship. At Yeager’s order, the ship diverted from its planned course to cross into the Shoals, a volatile region of space known for its high concentration of dangerous tetryon anomalies. So dangerous, in fact, that Starfleet has forbidden starships with a mass in excess of two million tons from even entering the region. With subspace warning buoys lining the border to the Shoals and automated audio warnings hard-wired into every Federation computer core, Yeager is alleged to have willfully ignored that ban. “Starfleet officers have long been regarded as the best the Federation has to offer,” said Commander Varo of the Starfleet JAG office. “If it’s true that Yeager decided to ignore standing orders, no matter the reason, he is simply not compatible with that legacy, and this office will do everything in its power to ensure Mr. Yeager is held responsible for his actions.” A spokesman for the aggrieved families issued a statement on the eve of the court-martial, with several parents of the deceased standing behind him. “Our sons and daughters knew that a life in Starfleet was a life of risk,” said Keith Couzens, on behalf of the families. “But no one – Starfleet or civilian – should lose their life to support the prideful arrogance of a superior. We expect Yeager and his senior staff to be held fully accountable for the lives lost as a direct result of their decisions.” If found guilty, Yeager could face expulsion from Starfleet and up to twenty years in a Federation penal colony. While a number of high ranking officers have been dismissed from Starfleet in the wake of the accident, including Vice Admiral Sh’Hiel, formerly the Commander of Starfleet Operations along the Tholian border, Yeager is the first officer to be brought up on charges. Lieutenant Commander Kreeta, Yeager’s former first officer, and Master Chief Petty Officer Linford Styles, the senior enlisted officer, will also face court martials later this year. This article was written by Lt. Cmdr. Evan Delano of the USS Veritas. The post Court martial set to begin in aftermath of USS Astraeus disaster appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  9. BAJOR – The Red Star, the flagship quantum slipstream starliner of Red Carrier, has disappeared during a routine transport to Risa. Mounting fears greeted friends and family of travelers on board the Red Star this morning as the vessel was declared officially missing. A search and rescue mission has now been implemented to cover the distance traveled by the vessel from its point of origin on Bajor to its last known location heading in the direction of Risa. The operation, set in motion from the Mars headquarters of Red Carrier by chairman Seeshu Rebal, will traverse the distance via conventional warp drive and is already looking at a long voyage ahead. “It is with great sadness that Red Carrier must report the untimely disappearance of our flagship vessel under Captain Amadeus,” Seeshu lamented, during this morning’s press conference. “While notable issues have befallen our fellow commercial slipstream liners in recent years, this is an unprecedented loss for all. Our thoughts are with the families at this pressing time.” The Red Star departed from Bajor earlier this week with a full crew complement of 264 and 2131 passengers. The last known transmitted navigational location was the Kalandra sector, with sensor data collected by a stationary buoy in the area. While previously known for heavy action during the Dominion War, the sector has since been used as a thoroughfare for transport and cargo ships to Bajor and Deep Space 9. Speculations have already been made regarding the disappearance. The commercial efforts of implementing the quantum slipstream drive have come under fire due to failures in the technology prior to this event. Starlight Transport’s SS Atlantic famously suffered a slipstream failure in 2391 during her third voyage, which delayed the implementation of slipstream technology into the commercial market. Lieutenant Commander Adam Frost, industry expert and Quantum Slipstream Drive (QSD) Principal Lead Technician for the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, believes that a technological failure is severely unlikely. “The slipstream drive has had its problems in the past, but like with any technology, it is continuously developing,” he candidly reported. “Starfleet would like to remind everyone that slipstream travel for commercial passenger transport is still statistically one of the safest ways to travel. This is a localised incident and we hope for a swift conclusion.” When questioned regarding updates received from the rescue vessel, Seeshu declined to comment. Such information is likely to be kept out of public eye until more is known about the fate of the Red Star. Reporters were assured that every measure has been taken to ensure the safe retrieval of passengers if the vessel is found intact. “There isn’t much information to go on,” Nacu Zes, said a family member of one of the missing passengers. “Our family is devastated at the news. My son and his husband are going on their honeymoon. How can a starship vanish into thin air? I only hope they find them soon.” Officials have asked for any suspected sightings of the Red Star to be reported immediately to Starfleet and local authorities. Red Carrier has also arranged for counseling resources for families of those missing during this trying time. The post Risa-bound starliner disappears carrying 2,400 passengers appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article
  10. LUNAR ONE COLONY — A wedding party was denied boarding onto a transport from Lunaport space station after reportedly drinking four cases of Romulan Ale in fifteen minutes in response to being informed that they could not take thirty-five cases of the substance as hand luggage. The bachelorette at the centre of the allegations, a Starfleet Officer named only as Thalaa to protect her identity, was determined by staff at the Federation Port Authority to be severely under the influence of alcohol and a risk to the safety of other passengers. She was only one among twelve Andorians and Klingons who were reportedly too inebriated to fly. Read the rest of the article here: Wedding party denied boarding at Lunaport after binging on Romulan Ale on Federation News Service.
  11. QO’NOS — The Qo’nos Wildlife Organisation has officially declared the targ an “at risk” species. Disturbing news emerged from the Klingon homeworld today as the targ, an animal almost as synonymous with Qo’nos as the Klingons themselves, had its conservation status officially updated to “at risk” by the Qo’nos Wildlife Organisation (QWO). According to recent surveys, targ numbers have fallen between thirty to sixty percent planet-wide over the last century, with even regions such as the Hamar Mountains—once abundant with the animals—experiencing a significant dip in population. Read the rest of the article: Targ numbers dwindle as concern for species grows from the Federation News Service.
  12. PLANET TE-965-2035 — While rescuing officers from the 22nd-century Starfleet vessel Columbia, the crew of the USS Thor helped a pre-warp species find a new home in the Typhon Expanse. The ionisation of the planet Kjenta II, where the rescue took place, was such that it rendered almost all modern technology useless. Indeed, it was these circumstances that led to the crew of the Columbia (NX-02) being stranded there in the first place after an ill-fated away mission over two hundred years ago. Previous rescue attempts had been mounted before, with varying degrees of success, leading to some of the Columbia crew being brought home. But for a few unfortunate souls, Kjenta II remained their home until this latest mission undertaken by Bajoran Commander Oddas Aria and her crew. Read the rest of the article here: Pre-warp species resettled after 22nd-century Starfleet crew rescued This article was written by Gogigobo Fairhug of Duronis II Embassy, a member of the FNS team, with contributions from Brayden Jorey. View the full article
  13. QO’NOS — The Great House of J’mpok will host a recreation of the epic saga Romeo and Juliet, penned by the human playwright William Shakespeare. First published on Earth in 1597, this glorification of romance and murder for the honor of their noble houses has long been a favored tale of the Klingon Chancellor, who is reportedly excited but declined to comment. “The name Shakespeare resides in the heart and minds of every Klingon warrior,” political aide Kertak stated during the announcement. “It strikes fear—and rage—and inspires us all. I am partial to his depictions of parricide; however, a romance based on family honor is agreeable. A pox on all your houses! Delightful.” Read the rest of the article here: A pox on all your houses! Klingon Empire presents Romeo & Juliet This story was written for the Federation News Service by Lieutenant JG Jocelyn Marshall of the USS Gorkon.
  14. SOL SYSTEM — A civilian Kreetassan trade vessel suffered heavy damage when a 21st century human land vehicle collided into the trade ship. It took investigators time to identify the offending vehicle as it bares little resemblance to what it once was. The roadster, an early model of Earth electric cars made by a private company around the early 2000s, was unmanned and has seemingly been adrift in the Sol system for over three hundred years. Upon collision with the Kreetassans, only its aluminum frame remained, devoid of its original paint job or plastic and leather innards due to continuous exposure to solar and cosmic radiation for centuries. The car smashed into the stationary Kreetassan vessel with next to no warning as they awaited clearance to enter Mars space, their sensors and deflector dish unable to compensate for the incredible speed of the car gained during its drift around the area. The trade vessel, equipped with minor shielding and crewed by seven Kreetassans, may be decommissioned due to the crash. Luckily, only minor injuries were sustained by the crew. “This thing was lodged into our starboard hull!” stated Byt Vidaliak, the vessel’s Kreetassan owner. “We lost over half of our stock, and our ship will have to be entirely refurbished. That thing was an accident just begging to happen!” Read the rest of the article here: Civilian Kreetassan ship collides with 21st century Earth relic This story was written for the Federation News Service by Lt. Cmdr. Sky Blake of the USS Veritas.
  15. MAK’ALA, TRILL — High ranking officials in the Trill Ministry of Science and the Trill Symbiosis Commission announced plans to update the procedure used to evaluate potential hosts for joining. “These changes, that shall be revealed in the upcoming weeks, will be implemented to improve upon a moderately effective, yet aging, process of selection,” said Dr. Karnan Sleyhn, head of the Trill Symbiosis Commission. “We are confident that with these alterations, the chances of a successful joining of a host and symbiote will rise.” Read the rest of the article here: Trill Symbiosis Commission to update host selection process This story was written for the Federation News Service by Lt. Cmdr. Randal Shayne of the Andaris Task Force.
  16. ANDORIA — Under the guard of a squadron of Starfleet officers, the first day of the trial of Breloc Tejar was conducted today. Tejar, a Cardassian overseer of Bajor during the occupation, was found in Federation space last year and arrested. An investigation is ongoing, but has yet to uncover the purpose of his trespass, or his whereabouts before his capture. Tejar’s crimes on Bajor, on the other hand, are well documented. During his time as overseer, he was directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Bajoran citizens. As such, he is currently facing charges of murder in both the first and second degree, battery, terrorism, and other grievous violations of the Federation Conventions Due to serious concerns regarding his safety, the Federation Council ordered that the trial not be held on Bajor, instead opting for the more neutral world of Andoria. Since the move, Tejar has been spending his time in a maximum security prison. The first day of Tejar v. the United Federation of Planets began with opening statements, including eyewitness accounts given by former Bajoran prisoners, detailing the horrific conditions perpetuated within the camps and labor farms. “We died by the hundreds and lived wishing we could join those that had gone to the Prophets,” stated Ephar Nizal, a survivor of the Occupation and one of the Bajorans kept in Dakhur Province Labor Camp. “Your crimes are inexcusable. You should have stayed in hiding.” Tejar’s attorney, Myzrin Tostod, concluded her statement with an appeal to decency. “The crimes of my client are not in dispute- and are in the past. Let us instead work together to move beyond the past.” The next day of the trial is scheduled for this upcoming Thursday, and will be followed closely. The post High-profile trial of Cardassian war criminal begins appeared first on Federation News Service. This article was written by Lt. Cmdr. Randal Shayne of the Andaris Task Force.
  17. Last year, 16-year-old Nissaa Zin left her home in the Turkana IV town of Anndaic for the last time. Investigators believe she was looking for cordafin – a stimulant that induces euphoria when smoked but is toxic at concentrated levels in the body. The cheap drug has ravaged out-of-touch colony worlds, where Starfleet rarely visits. But for some, it’s the last refuge of happiness when there’s no food and no security to be found. Nissaa was too poor to afford the amount that would have been necessary to hurt herself. But she died nonetheless – when she arrived at the dealer’s home, she was force-fed depressants, raped, and murdered. Her body was dumped in a nearby river. The details of the crime sparked rare political action on Turkana IV, where decades of neglect by the United Federation of Planets have left the planet’s inhabitants in a seemingly unending gang-led civil war. Hundreds of women, some from towns many miles away – many of whom are gang-affiliated by choice or not – risked their own lives to shut down the trash-packed streets in Anndaic, holding signs with slogans like “Not one more” and “Machismo kills.” For a full day, the small town’s hovels and and slums were filled not with the sounds of gunfire, but the frustrated shouts of women pushed to the brink. The brutal murder of Zin has become a planet-wide symbol for the horrific violence suffered by women on Turkana IV, and has galvanized a movement that’s shaking the planet’s settlements to the core. “They’re not just killing us,” says Lara Ryen, a marcher, “they’re torturing, destroying, and obliterating our bodies. They kill each other on the streets, and then kill us behind closed doors. And we’re not going to take it anymore.” Following protests of Nissaa Zin’s deaths, a collective of women organized seemingly out of nowhere to overrun Cequen Station – a town bordering Anndaic – and establish a base of operations, forming a new faction among the region’s powerful gangs. Details remain in short supply, as few off-worlders are equipped to make face-to-face contact on Turkana IV, where violence has resumed after the march. This news network has made contact with the women of Cequen Station from orbit, and determined that they have already secured ample supplies and weapons to hold their current location for at least the near future. The focus now seems to be on helping to smuggle endangered women into Cequen Station, and building an army that could possibly turn the tide of the war. Federation representatives were asked for comment numerous times during the compilation of this story, but no replies were received. The post A Brutal Murder Sparks a Revolution appeared first on Federation News Service. View the full article This article was written by Fleet Admiral Wolf. Submit your own story to the FNS today!
  18. BETA ANTARES IV — The Interstellar Tetraball Federation has announced the addition of twelve new planetary teams and a new junior professional league to its organization for the 2394 season. The sport, often simply called tetra, experienced an explosion in popularity last year, with the championship final game ranking among the most-watched sporting events of the year. The Interstellar Tetraball Federation (ITF), the sport’s governing body, has nearly doubled its number of active members. “Last year was such an exciting time for the sport,” said ITF Publicity Chairperson Norem Kaam. “We were thrilled to see tetra take a new place of prominence among team sports in the quadrant.” This is a preview. Read the rest of the article Professional Tetraball undergoes major expansion for 2394 season at the Federation News Service. This article was written by Lt. Cmdr. Didrik Stennes of the Andaris Task Force.
  19. EARTH — Bajorans and other Federation citizens staged a protest today in Paris, rallying against a Federation ruling to try a Cardassian war criminal off Bajoran soil. The protest, which began early in the morning, was designed to bring attention to what many see as a blatant act of injustice committed by the Federation Attorney General. When the war criminal Breloc Tejar was captured last year, Bajor immediately sought to hold the trial. Tejar had been identified as a particularly heinous overseer during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, alleged to have committed multiple war crimes. Because of this relationship with the Bajoran people, the Federation Attorney General decided to hold the trial elsewhere, citing concerns for Tejar’s safety. Instead, the trial will be held in the Federation law office on Andoria. The controversial verdict stirred outrage among many of the Bajoran people. “I’m a Federation citizen!” screamed Aeglis Bedena, a particularly indignant Bajoran protester at the rally. “We’re all Federation citizens! They’re doing it to us again! The [Cardassians] and now the Feds!” Read the rest of the article Protests erupt over controversial war criminal case on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Lt. Randal Shayne of the Andaris Task Force.
  20. MUGAR MUGA, FERENGINAR — A new report published by the Divine Treasury warns that the status of global economic inequality is far more dire than predicted, with most Ferengi failing to exploit the citizens of galactic neighbors to the extent possible since the introduction of warp travel to Ferengi society. The report, titled Does Anyone Remember the Rules of Acquisition? estimates that just eight Ferengi share the same level of personal wealth as half of the population of 24.8 billion Ferengi who make up the “temporarily embarrassed non-wealthy” class. Read the rest of the article "Ferenginar’s 8 richest hold as much wealth as bottom half of all Ferengi" on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Fleet Admiral Tristan Wolf.
  21. TRINITY SECTOR — The inhabitants of the remote Federation colony Pernipia Gamma IV are celebrating the second anniversary of the planet’s colonization this month. Pernipia Gamma IV, situated in the blurry border region between Federation and Romulan space, was colonized by a group of 170 human settlers in late 2391. Despite initial setbacks, including a deliberate poisoning of livestock and a power struggle splitting the colony’s duumvirate leadership, the colony has prospered during its two-year infancy and laid the foundations for future growth. “Pernipia Gamma IV is a planet with limitless potential,” said Mirielle Danvers, the colony’s administrator. “Blessed with significant natural resources, including vast kelbonite deposits and favorable climates, our little colony has all the ingredients to become a major Federation presence in the region someday.” Read the rest of the article "Borderland colony commemorates second anniversary" on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Lt Cmdr Didrik Stennes of the USS Darwin-A.
  22. EARTH — On the heels of the new Earth year of 2394, Federation worlds today observed the beginning of the new stardate year. Fireworks lit up the skies over the most iconic landmarks of many member planets as people gathered to celebrate. From San Francisco to Moscow on Earth to Vulcan and Starbase 118, crowds said goodbye to 2393, a tumultuous year in interstellar politics and a welcome end to another year of Starfleet’s ongoing missions. While many celebrated with family and friends on their home worlds, some also paid tribute to the many notable sentient beings who passed away during the holiday season, marking 2393 as the “Year of Heart-Wrenching Losses” by a large number of avid readers. Read the rest of the article at Celebrations across the Federation celebrate the new stardate year on the Federation News Service. This article was written by Ensign Francis Ryan of the USS Constitution-B.
  23. FNS foreign affairs reporter Flynn Dupond concludes his two-part editorial series about the Klingon Empire, bringing attention now to its social and civil problems. Last time, I touched upon the Klingon Empire’s thirst for violence and the threat it poses, even to those who were once its allies. Today, we’ll see that the Klingon Empire also suffers from injustice within its own borders and ranks. Civil War It is clear that while the Empire consistently fights against outsiders and seems to seek enemies where none exist, civil war is an almost constant fact of life within its ruling body, the High Council. In a society where family honor and glory are sought above all else, power is held by the strongest and most aggressive. Individual houses can form alliances and wage war with other houses, separate from the Empire’s other affairs. While the chancellor and the High Council maintain control over the military, individual leaders are granted control over large swaths of the Klingon Defense Forces. Worse yet, houses can claim ships and other lethal weapons to fight internal wars. This is generally kept out of sight of the rest of the quadrant as such fighting can appear to weaken the Empire on the whole. Nevertheless, it is rare to find a moment in Klingon history where one faction of the Klingon people was not battling another. Read the rest of the editorial The Trouble with the Klingon Empire, Part 2 on the Federation News Service. This editorial was written by Lt. Randal Shayne of the USS Darwin.
  24. In this two-part editorial series, FNS foreign affairs reporter Flynn Dupond questions the Federation’s alliance with an empire built on conquest, subjugation, and conflict. I recently found myself wandering the main promenade of Starbase 118 along with my daughter. It is usually a bustling hive of ordered chaos, but with the (then) upcoming Khitomer Accords anniversary approaching, everyone was moving about—buying gifts, hanging decorations, etc. My daughter, a precocious youngster of five, was aware that something special was impending, and asked me what was going on. I attempted to explain that, many years ago, the Federation began to work with the Klingon Empire toward peace. I managed to give a cursory overview without delving into the rich and convoluted history the Empire and the Federation had shared together. Remember, this is a five-year-old I’m trying to communicate with. Even with this ultra-condensed version, my daughter looked thoroughly bored by my ramblings, and with an, “Oh,” she darted off to join her friends and munch on jumja sticks. As I continued to window shop and keep an eye on her, my eyes were drawn upwards, toward the ceiling, where a Federation banner and a Klingon Empire banner hung side by side. I’d seen such imagery before, and it had often stirred the patriotic portions of my heart for days after. But as I observed that harsh, emblazoned trefoil, my thoughts returned to the abridged lecture I’d just given. In that moment, the alliance between the two previously feuding governments seemed so improbable, so impractical, that I simply couldn’t believe it had held. Later that night, I began to study the Klingon Empire in detail. I poured over any confirmed and unclassified information I could dredge up, and my findings shocked me. I decided my next piece for the FNS would not be on the Khitomer celebrations. Virtually all of my esteemed colleagues would be following that particular story. Instead, I would delve deeper into one the of the best-kept secrets of the Federation: its abusive, abrasive comrade, the Klingon Empire. Read the rest of the editorial at The Klingon Empire: Accepted Ally or Tolerated Blot? on the Federation News Service. This editorial was written by Lt. Randal Shayne of the USS Darwin.
  25. OASIS STATION, MAR ALPHERIS — Thanks to the introduction of quantum slipstream-capable freighters, the outer colonies of the Federation are receiving regular supplies, but not all colonies are accessible with the new technology. As more shipping companies introduce quantum slipstream freighters into their fleets, many worlds that were weeks away from the Federation core are now less than two hours away, meaning that these members and colonies can receive proper and regular supplies. “Like many colonists, I am relieved that the Federation has taken our concerns seriously and has deemed us a priority for the use of their slipstream freighters,” said Magistrate Benjamin Raynor of Mar Alpheris. Read the rest of the article on the FNS. This article was written by Zhaiyt Graves of the USS Athena. Submit your own stories or join the FNS team!
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