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CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW  continued....

Peace and prosperity was a real hope as the 24th century commenced, for there was great promise of a more settled galactic landscape. The Klingons had abided by conditions laid down by the Khitomer Accords, and diplomacy between the two powers was at its most co-operative and productive. But in 2311, new problems emerged from the direction of this time the Romulan Star Empire. Forces from both camps engaged in a series of skirmishes along the Neutral Zone, and the principal and defining encounter became known as the Tomed Incident.

A diplomatic solution was reached to prevent the situation from escalating, but many vessels were destroyed and lives lost on both sides, with severe damage to Starfleet forces. Subsequent conciliations saw the endorsement of new and mutually beneficial peace agreements, bound by the Treaty of Algeron. The conditions found therein reaffirmed the Neutral Zone arrangements, and stated that violation by either side could be considered as an act of war. One major condition made by the Romulan Empire was their insistence that the Federation cease research and development in cloaking systems and related technological fields. Some of the more outspoken Federation scientists noted this concession as a grave error, as the Romulans vessels, as well as those of the Klingons would forever have a distinct tactical advantage.

But in the following years, as the powers moved further apart, contact became increasingly rare and fleeting, and many thought the Romulan Government had decided to concentrate their attention and resources on other possibly more pressing issues, perhaps, it was speculated, another unknown enemy from their part of the Beta Quadrant. Whatever the reason, the Romulan Empire began an extended period of isolation and silence.

A new campaign for exploration was launched in the early part of the century, with bold new initiatives in scientific research fields. In the next couple of decades the Federation would secure another 10 full members, amounting to nearly 120 in total, and territory had expanded to an area with an approximate diameter of 6500 light years. Much of this expansion was thanks in no small part to a revolutionary new starship design. Named Ambassador Class, this vessel utilized a brand new and powerful computer system employing 'Isolinear Optical Chips', being far more advanced and efficient than previous computer systems. Its extreme capabilities could be noted in many starship performance areas. And with superior propulsion, weapons and sensors in comparison to other, older classes it excelled in the field for some time, surveying many unknown and uncharted regions, discovering, and overseeing first contact with many new races. One of these races, which was to become a highly central figure in future Federation affairs, was the Cardassian Union.

The contact scenario went without incident, and diplomatic interchange was smooth for some time. Then tensions arose with the Federation's discovery of the Cardassian's controversial long time exploitation of the nearby world of Bajor. The Federation strongly objected, but would not be drawn into any conflict, for lacking any jurisdiction over Bajoran affairs, and maintaining no diplomatic relations with them, it had to be viewed as strictly an internal affair of the Cardassian Union. The Cardassians though accused the Federation of undermining sympathy and support with neighbouring races and powers, and when the two were then caught up in unsavoury diplomatic squabbles over territory directly between their borders, a military conflict broke out, beginning with the unannounced attack by the Cardassians on newly established Starbase 401, on the edge of Federation space at the time. The Federation responded with a massive assault of Cardassian military installations along their borders, and the situation escalated into a bloody war that endured consistently for several years.

The general superiority of Federation forces saw the loss of almost half the entire Cardassian fleet, and with campaigns targeting outposts, supply stations, industrial complexes, ship yards and illegally established colonies in Federation space, the Cardassian losses were calculated in the hundreds of thousands. The Cardassians, proud and relentless continued to fight regardless. As more and more resources were poured into the war effort, some occupational forces in the Bajoran sector were pulled, and reassigned. This provided slight, but vital respite for the Bajoran militia, and a rapidly expanding network of underground resistance cells were able to regroup, and gather new resolve.

The general loss of control and order was becoming less and less tenable. Repercussions were severe and thousands of Bajorans were killed in public executions, many others disappeared without a trace. The entire situation, and lack of progress ultimately resulted in the authority's loss of faith in the abilities of the present command structure. Newly appointed Prefect Gul Dukat was appointed to oversee the Bajoran situation, and many sweeping reforms returned order and obedience to the Bajoran people. Mining operations were increased, as Bajor's prominent value was the rich resources on offer. Additionally, the network of forced labour camps were expanded. But it was later calculated that up to five million Bajorans lost their lives under the Dukat administration.....

After peace was signed, several important concessions had to be made in order to fully provision each side's requirements. One of those significant concessions would see certain Federation colonies suddenly lie within Cardassian jurisdiction -on their side of the newly drawn up 'Demilitarized Zone'. The colonists refused to recognised the treaty and resisted the Federation's resulting relocation attempts. A small network of civilian protests to this resulted in the formation of an underground resistance movement known as the Maquis. Hell-bent on damaging and undermining the Cardassian establishment, the Maquis crisis would escalate and be a major problem for the Federation over the next few years.

Meanwhile, on the homefront the Federation made first contact with the mysterious Ferengi after the Enterprise-D engaged a Ferengi Marauder in the Delphi Ardu system in early 2364. The Ferengi were immediately distrusted. Regarded by the Federation as an 'unruly band of hucksters'. Ferengi values were seen to surround greed and profit, with an egomaniacal obsession with material acquisition. These unenlightened attributes were generally adjudged to be a dangerous sign of underdevelopment.

From the little information that was known, the race, hailing from Ferenginar appeared to have built up their Ferengi Alliance after purchasing and even stealing technology and scientific secrets from other races. Formal diplomatic and trade relations were opened, and the Ferengi saw great opportunities amongst the great and powerful Federation. But a variety of minor military incidents ensued, for occasionally Ferengi vessels were caught raiding and scavenging Federation systems for raw materials and other resources. Over the next few years, the Federation would continue to keep a very close eye on this race....

Just prior to the Ferengi contact the same vessel, the Enterprise had uncovered some serious repercussions for the Federation and Humanity in particular after an extraordinary meeting with a previously unknown life-form. This newly commissioned Galaxy Class vessel, and fleet Flagship came into contact with a dauntingly powerful lifeform known simply as the Q, whilst conducting a mission in the Deneb system.

This being, a representative of the Q Continuum, had, under some higher moral obligation placed Humanity 'on trial' for being dangerous, savage and unevolved. Unfazed, noted Officer Captain Jean-Luc Picard fought and challenged the claims, demonstrating Humanity had outgrown its selfishness and brutality that had plagued and dominated the race for centuries; that Humans were now an evolved species. The resulting judgments by the Q were 'provisionally' adjourned. But several encounters with the Q over the following years would prove cataclysmic. No more so than the event which brought first contact with the Borg.

The first known effects of a Borg presence in Federation space were observed later that year, as several important outposts and installations bordering the Romulan Neutral Zone were inexplicably destroyed. This event also saw the beginning of new dialogue with the Romulan Empire as they were investigating almost identical levels of destruction to their own outposts along their side of the Neutral Zone. There was no available information on the perpetrators at the time, but first physical contact between the Borg and the Federation occurred the following year, when Q deposited the Enterprise into the path of a Borg Cube, several thousand light years beyond Federation space. The resulting engagement was designed as an exercise to sober and subdue human arrogance. The encounter was fleeting, and the ship was returned to Federation space shortly thereafter. But having scanned and catalogued vast quantities of information from the ship's computer core, the Borg learned a great deal about the new species and their organisation. In a conquest of assimilation, the Borg set a course for Federation space.

A special body within Starfleet was assigned the task of assessing and preparing for potential Borg incursions. Acknowledging the Borg's superior technical capabilities, many new and radical defensive measures would have to be adopted, and be actively in place when the attack came. And one proposal was the commissioning of a new 'battle fleet' encompassing powerful state-of-the-art weaponry. Although the planned 'Defiant Class' did not get the immediate go-ahead due to some technical difficulties it did eventually emerge to be a powerful new edition to the fleet a few years later.

It was in 2366, approximately eighteen months after the initial encounter, that the first signs of the anticipated invasion were observed with dreadful destruction at New Providence when the entire colony was geographically wiped off the map. It was soon discovered that the single Borg vessel was on a direct course for Earth. In order to facilitate the assimilation process, Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise was forcibly removed from his vessel and integrated into the Borg Collective as official 'spokes-unit'. Called 'Locutus', this new entity was designed to be the 'Borg version' of an ambassador. Utilizing Picard's skill, knowledge and experience in being an exemplary long-serving Starfleet officer, he would act as a liaison, and would help to administer the huge task of assimilating the Federation.

An Armada of 40 ships close enough to intercept prepared for the Cube at Wolf 359, less than 8 light years from Earth. The battle which ensued resulted in the loss of all but one of Starfleet's attacking ships, with 11,000 losing their lives. Entering the Sol system, the fast pursuing Enterprise caught up with the cube with moments to spare in a last desperate attempt to impede the Borg incursion. With Locutus having been removed from the Cube by his crew and returned to his starship, a close analysis of his relationship with the Borg collective was performed, and a crucial Achilles heel was duly discovered in the Borg command structure. A plan was immediately implemented, and specific commands to regenerate were processed through Locutus and fed directly into the Collective. It very rapidly triggered a chain of events which destroyed the vessel. Picard was disconnected from the hive mind and restored to normal via the surgical removal of implants. This threat was over.

On the other side of Federation space, observers were monitoring the Cardassian situation closely, and in particular the stranglehold they had over the Bajorans that was beginning to loosen. A relentless series of uprisings and rebellion was beginning to force the Cardassians to seriously reconsider their occupation, with the possibility of withdrawal.

The resistance underground grew in strength, damaging Cardassian installations, operations and morale. Bitter Cardassian in-fighting was common place, and many just wanted to completely annihilate the entire population and leave. With a weakened economy and depleted forces, and as support for the Federation grew among the desperate but cautious Bajorans, Cardassian authorities became under increasing pressure, and it was feared amongst some that Federation intervention may be imminent. The political decision to abandon the Bajoran campaign was eventually reached in 2369. And at the request of the newly founded Bajoran Provisional Government, Starfleet took administrative control of the Cardassian's base of operations Terok Nor, orbiting Bajor.

An incredible discovery was made soon after by the Bajoran/Starfleet crew operating the renamed Deep Space Nine. The first stable wormhole ever found was uncovered in the Denorius Belt in the Bajor system. Subsequent investigation traced the exit point to the Gamma Quadrant, some 70,000 light years away. The moderately important station in Federation affairs -presided by only a Commander - Benjamin Sisko, was transformed into an essential strategic nerve centre, which, as it opened up massive opportunities for discovery and commerce in turn became an extremely important resource - which the Federation controlled. It was a sound tactical decision, that, rather than remain in Bajoran orbit where it had been located for some 20 years, Deep Space Nine became permanently located in the Denorius Belt, situated near the wormhole's entrance.

The Bajoran people were rocked, but equally uplifted by the revelation that the wormhole may be the Celestial Temple -home to the Bajoran's Gods. This subsequently had huge repercussions for their spiritual institution. Sisko had initially made first contact with the 'Prophets', who, to Federation discomfort appointed him a messianic figure of the religion, destined by prophecy to lead the Bajorans to prosperity and salvation. As the Bajoran's 'Emissary of the Prophets', and Starfleet Officer, Sisko continued to run Federation affairs in the Bajoran sector for a number of years.

The following year, the Cardassian Union aimed to bring an end to Federation/Bajoran ties by utilizing intermediaries to ship arms and supplies to breakaway movement the 'Alliance for Global Unity' -who sought to undermine and eventually overthrow the Bajoran Provisional Government.

Also known as 'The Circle' their terrorist activities were of grave concern to the Federation, as it greatly undermined efforts to form a closer relationship with the Bajorans, for they had formally applied for Federation membership. At this time though, it seemed unlikely due to the present climate of internal political turmoil and social division. But as the movement became aware of the covert Cardassian involvement and manipulation, their dismay was tangible. As a result the faction's support fell away and they ceased their campaign, and soon disbanded...

In 2370, contact with the Mirror Universe occurred for the second time as warp core malfunctions and wormhole fluctuations colluded to inadvertently transport the occupants of a Runabout to the alternate domain. It was learned that after Kirk's initial encounter with the Terran Empire a century ago, Spock had come to realise the logic and wisdom of Kirk's words and had sponsored many reforms and disarmament programs. This had unfortunately left the Empire open to attack, as the Cardassian/Klingon Alliance in this Universe had conquered the Empire leaving little but scattered groups of enfeebled Humans working as slaves for the Alliance.

After the retaking of the alternate Terok Nor, sporadic involvement with the Universe would occur for some time, with direct aid to the Terran resistant unit, with even the assistance of constructing a powerful Defiant Class vessel for the Terran fleet. Their efforts to drive the Alliance back were successful, leaving them space and time to regroup and reinforce, with the eventual aim of unifying and rebuilding their fallen civilization. 

Up to this time, there had been speculation but little in the way of hard facts regarding an enigmatic group from the Gamma Quadrant called the Dominion. The Ferengi had attempted to open up trade and commerce agreements with them, hoping to tap and eventually monopolise a huge commercial resource.

A few months after the initial attempts to open commerce agreements with the Dominion, further knowledge of this potentially threatening force was aquired in a chance visit to the Gamma Quadrant by DS9's Commander Sisko. He and his Ferengi associate were brutally ambushed and imprisoned by what was discovered to be the savage foot soldiers of the Dominion, the Jem'Hadar. The Bajoran Government was then apprised by way of a Dominion emissary that a Bajoran colony in the Gamma Quadrant had been wiped out by the Jem'Hadar for 'violating' their space.

In a mission to assess the growing Dominion threat, the Federation assigned the Galaxy Class USS Odyssey to travel to the Gamma Quadrant through the wormhole to bring back Sisko whilst testing Dominion resolve with one of Starfleet's most powerful class ships. The resulting confrontation was a complete disaster, for, even though Sisko was safely recovered, the Odyssey was utterly destroyed with the loss of all hands. To the astonishment of many, it was a suicide run collision by a Jem'Hadar attack ship that caused her destruction -this was as the Odyssey was in retreat. It was seen as a dramatic demonstration of how serious the Dominion's protest was.

But it was not just a matter a staying out of their territory. It soon came to light that a rescued Vorta brought to Deep Space Nine disclosed that Dominion spies were among them in some numbers. It was feared they may have already infiltrated Starfleet Command.

The possibility of conflict with the Dominion fuelled significant concern, and the technical flaws that Starfleet experienced in developing the Defiant Class a few years previously were duly solved. In a historic moment of co-operation the Romulan Empire agreed to loan the Federation a cloaking device to be deployed only in in the Gamma Quadrant on Dominion intelligence gathering operations. For it was recognised by the Romulans that the Dominion threatened the interests of all powers on this side of the galaxy.

The Romulans would go to any lengths to ensure their safety, with even collapsing the entrance to the Bajoran wormhole. In 2371, after reaching the conclusion that a Dominion incursion could be imminent, they embarked on a plan to end the threat by destroying the wormhole. The Romulan plot was uncovered though by Benjamin Sisko, and a cloaked Warbird was duly revealed lying near Deep Space Nine. But the diplomatic climate between the Empire and the Dominion, and indeed the Federation, would take several sharp turns over the following years....

TECHNOLOGY

Since it was founded, the Federation has enjoyed widespread expansion and progression in technology. This is partly thanks to the unified member worlds all employing field specific scientific research and development institutions, in a joint, co-operative effort to advance theory, knowledge and technical expertise. Many quantum leaps have been made, such as the initial development of warp propulsion, thanks to pioneers such as Zefram Cochrane (see Page One).

In 2243, scientist Dr. Richard Daystrom made a huge breakthrough in the field of computing. His Duotronic system was a major step forward in speed and efficiency for computer systems. Daystrom increased his research and attempted to enhance the previous system with the ambitious Multitronics configuration. This system was designed to mimic human brain patterns by imprinting neural engrams into the circuitry hardware. All versions, 'M-1' to 'M-5' failed to materialise any notable successes, and his final version was an awful fiasco, as he lost complete control of the system when involved in starship wargame manueovres.

The Duotronic form of storage, processing and circuitry architecture had reached its technological peak with the later introduction of 'Duotronic Enhancers', but could no longer be further augmented.

The next step forward in this field was the implementation of 'Isolinear Optical Chips' in the early 24th century. It greatly improved, enhanced and expanded upon all previous computer processing and management systems. Composed of 'linear memory crystal' employing onboard nanoprocessors throughout, a typical 'Isolinear Optical Chip' could process an estimated 335% faster than preceding crystal memory cards, and held an overall storage capacity of 2.15 Kiloquads of data.

In the late 23rd century, Federation scientists embarked on one of its most remarkable projects yet. After years of research and development, Starfleet had fully endorsed the first trials of the Genesis Device. This torpedo like structure was theoretically capable of transforming a dead, lifeless planet surface, or other body into a thriving, living M-Class surface. The profound prospects of such a stupendous breakthrough would provide infinite bounty for all in the Federation. Any resource or population concern would be instantly eliminated with the capability to 'create' new habitable worlds from hostile, lifeless bodies. Phase One of the testing was carried out in subterranean caverns beneath the surface of planetoid Regula One. The Genesis matrix successfully reformed the lifeless rock into a new, thriving oxygen rich environment of green topology with varied, bountiful flora.

But with its sabotage by Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically enhanced despot, and 20th century survivor, the Genesis system never saw its final potential realised. The inadvertent detonation of the prototype device in the Mutara Nebula generated a highly unstable world from its remains. This was complimented by the volatile Protomatter used in the matrix. Due to scientific and ethical concerns regarding the technology, Genesis research was consigned indefinitely to the shelf.

Exploration is the basic cornerstone of the Federation. And to facilitate this task, Starfleet employs a large mobile FLEET OF VESSELS to explore and chart the frontiers of space. From the first class ships that were commissioned, such as Daedalus Class, to the very latest, such as Sovereign Class, Starfleet has always stood by its charter 'to boldly go where no-one has gone before'. Certain key technologies are the crux of any starship, such as warp propulsion, shields, sensors, transporters, and weapon systems.

The first weapons used aboard starships involved the likes of basic High Yield Lasers, Fusion Missiles, Nuclear Torpedoes and Phaser Cannons. But in the early 23rd century, Federation scientists made the first set of breakthroughs which would revolutionise available tactical defence measures. The first Photon Torpedoes, as they were coined, employed a forced and controlled matter/anti-matter explosion, delivering a yield of up to 50 isotons. This greatly added to starship defence, and further developments increased the yield to 200 isotons over the following century. Along with traditional Phasers, a starship could utilize strong and effective counter measures in combat situations.

With the long term success of Isolinear Optical Chips in computing, the potential advantages of biological augmentations to existing computer hardware was never far from the minds of theoretical scientists. With the advent of the new and advanced Intrepid Class starship, such a system was finally realised with the introduction of Bio-Neural Gel Packs. These sophisticated supplementary devices employ a specially configured organic gelatinous solution of synthetic neural cells, which when used in data management and transfer greatly improve speed and processing efficiency.

During the 2360's Starfleet looked at the possibilities of installing a brand new class of ship into the fleet. As highly powerful Escort vessels, they would employ the newly constructed Quantum Torpedoes, Shields with ablation matrices, and Phaser Cannons. This brand new Defiant Class was initially introduced to counter the Borg, whose recent incursions threatened to topple the balance of power throughout the quadrant. But as Borg anxieties became less severe, the Defiant Class project came to a halt for a while, and there were numerous technical difficulties that were yet to be resolved.

But the prototype was successfully reintroduced five years later to counter this time a different threat, in the way of the Dominion. Used in the Gamma Quadrant on missions varying from exploration to reconnaissance, the prototype Defiant had finally overcome its earlier difficulties with some aplomb, and, utilizing the Cloaking Device loaned to the Federation by the Romulan Empire, the Defiant became an effective tool in defence and control.

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Romulan Star Empire   Klingon Empire   Cardassian Union   Ferengi Alliance

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