The Path to 2409

[daBelgrave]

Volume 20, Chapter 1
Responding to the success of the Federation dual citizenship program, Starfleet expanded the Starfleet Academy admission guidelines to accept applicants from races allied with, but not formally part of the Federation. These cadets would be allowed to apply for dual citizenship and would otherwise be considered a full citizen of the Federation, and therefore would not need a command-level recommendation for acceptance.

"There are many dedicated, quality applicants out there who simply don't have access to a Starfleet captain," said Starfleet spokesperson Marie Durant. "We're opening the doors."

One change that Starfleet saw immediately was a rush of Ferengi applicants. Inspired by the example of Nog and social reforms on Ferenginar, hundreds of Ferengi applied to join Starfleet.

Volume 20, Chapter 2
On Stardate 76014.61, dignitaries from throughout the Federation gathered to celebrate the opening of the first links of the Federation transwarp network, a rapid transit technology based on Borg designs found by the U.S.S. Voyager.

"Planets that were weeks away at warp will be connected in ways they never could be before," said Federation President Aennik Okeg. "When the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager brought this technology back from the Delta Quadrant, they created a world where someday you can have breakfast on Deep Space Nine, and be at Cestus III in time to catch an afternoon baseball game."

Volume 20, Chapter 3
On Stardate 76306.19, the I.R.W. Alth'lndor notified Nova Roma that it was experiencing unexplained malfunctions in several systems, but that the problems would not impede the ship's progress.

General Velal offered to send a ship to rendezvous with the Alth'lndor. Tebok assured Velal that the engineers on the Alth'lndor believed the problems were being caused by a computer virus and that they would have a solution for the problem shortly.

Two hours later, the Alth'lndor dropped out of warp and transmitter a final distress signal. The I.R.W. Kaidor was the closest vessel, and it raced to the Alth'lndor's location. The Kaidor reported detecting an antimatter containment failure, but before her crew could act the Alth'lndor exploded, killing General Tebok and all hands.

Praetor Taris ordered that until a new commander for the fleet was selected all fleets must report to her directly. Velal went to Tebok's allies in the Romulan Senate to block Taris, and the Senate quickly passed a bill that mandated Senate approval for all high-level military appointments.

The uncertainty in the chain of command once again threw the Romulan fleet into chaos, and several commanders announced that they would no longer report to any authority but their own. Starfleet stepped up border patrols in response, hoping to block any rogue ship before it could attack a Federation target.

Volume 20, Chapter 4
President Aennik Okeg announced plans to travel to Qo'noS to meet with Chancellor J'mpok to try to find a peaceful solution to the Klingons' conflict with the Gorn. However, before he could depart Paris, the I.K.S. Kang returned to Qo'noS.

Captain Ja'rod met in a closed session with J'mpok and the High Council for more than seven hours. Reports indicated that Ja'rod revealed the details of his investigation into the Undine presence in the Gorn Hegemony to the Council, and that the infiltration went much deeper than previously believed.

A day later, J'mpok, with the full backing of the High Council, ordered an invasion of the Gorn Hegemony. "No more waiting. No more talking. We are Klingon, and we will protect the Alpha Quadrant from these qa'meH quv - these replacers of honor with dishonor. We attack!"

A combined Klingon and Orion fleet stormed across the border into the Gorn Hegemony. The ships clashed with Gorn and Nausicaan forces in multiple systems, and the simmering conflict flared into open warfare.

Volume 20, Chapter 5
After the Klingon Empire invaded Gorn space, J'mpok sent a message to President Aennik Okeg, asking for Federation assistance as spelled out in the Khitomer Accords. In response, the Federation Council condemned the invasion and demanded that the Klingons withdraw from Gorn space and return to the negotiating table.

"This is not the first time that the Klingons have acted rashly," said Councilor Astoni-Yhard of Grazer. "For all we know, they're chasing shadows. What reason would these 'Undine' have for being here now?"

The Klingon response was swift. In a tersely worded message, J'mpok pulled the Klingon Empire out of the Khitomer Accords and recalled all Klingon ambassadors back to Qo'noS.

"Chancellor J'mpok's decision is regrettable," Okeg said. "However, it is his to make. We will continue to do all we can to repair our relationship wiht our longtime friends in the Klingon Empire."

Volume 20, Chapter 6
After the Klingons withdrew from the Khitomer Accords, Federation citizens were unceremoniously ejected from the Empire. It is only because of his ties to Qo'noS that Ambassador Worf was allowed to stay in the First City.

"J'mpok needs the ships and crews loyal to the House of Martok fighting the Gorn," a Federation government insider told the Tellar News Service. "If he had kicked Worf out, Drex would have pulled his support."

"Still, I don't think that the fight between Drex and J'mpok is over. The needs of the Empire may be foremost today. Tomorrow is a different story."

[daBelgrave]

Volume 21, Chapter 1
The combined force of the Gorn and Nausicaan fleets initially repelled the Klingon advance, earning them a measure of respect for their ferocity in battle.

"The Gorn do not surrender," said K'Mek, captain of the I.K.S. Veqlargh. "They fight almost as well as Klingons."

Starfleet observers said that this time the Klingons may not have an easy victory. "The Gorn are fighting for their homes," said Admiral Jorel Quinn. "They're going to make the Klingons bleed for every meter of space."

For its part, the Federation reinforced outposts and colonies along the border of Klingon space and prepared to handle any spillover of hostilities. However, standard orders were not to seek confrontation.

"We are protecting Federation citizens and property," said Starfleet spokesperson Marie Durant. "But we have no interest in getting involved in what is a matter between the Klingon and the Gorn."

Volume 21, Chapter 2
The Federation Council passed a measure that declared the Klingon-Gorn war unlawful, citing violations of the Khitomer Accords and the Jankata Accord. Both the Klingons and Gorn ignored the censure.

"I think it shows just how ineffectual the Federation Council is these days," said Milla Van of the Trill News Network. "What are they going to do next, outlaw excessive heat in Vulcan's Forge?"

The intractability of the Federation Council's position limited diplomatic endeavors, but throughout the year Ambassador Worf and Federation officials repeatedly attempted to talk to Chancellor J'mpok or members of the High Council in an effort to restart the Federation-Klingon alliance or to convince the Klingons to attend a summit with Federation President Aennik Okeg. For the most part, their requests were denied.

"The war is consuming much of the High Council's time," Okeg told a reporter from the Federation News Service. "We'll keep extending the hand of friendship. When the time is right, the Klingons will know that we're willing to let whatever bygones there are to be forgotten."

Volume 21, Chapter 3
One diplomatic victory for the Federation was the normalization of relations between the Cardassians and the Bajorans. Ever since Bajor joined the Federation, it had been a priority for the Federation and the Detapa Council to settle the last few remaining issues between the two worlds. On Stardate 77418.94, the Cardassians opened an embassy on Bajor, and visa restrictions were lifted on travel between the two worlds.

"It's taken more than thirty years to heal the scars of the Occupation," said Cardassian Detapa Councior Natima Lang at the dedication of the new embassy, "but as Bajor blooms on this summer morning, so too should the ties of friendship and fidelity between our peoples."

Commander Harry Kim was appointed head of security for Starbase 11. In addition to his duties at the starbase, Kim was helping to organize improvements in starbase defenses for outposts along the Neutral Zone.

In a statement transmitted to Deep Space Nine, the Founders disavowed any connection with shapeshifters in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, saying that any changelings operating outside their authority are rogue. The terse subspace statement may have been directed at Laas, but Starfleet Intelligence believed that it was a reponse to reports of Undine infiltration.

Volume 21, Chapter 4
On Nova Roma, Praetor Taris clashed yet again with the Romulan Senate over a plan to further restrict the powers of the praetor. Taris made a rare personal appearance before the Senate to argue against the proposal.

"In the absence of a monarch, and at a time of extreme upheaval in the Alpha and Beta quadrants," Taris said, "We must have one voice to speak for our empire to the galaxy. Only by expanding the praetor's powers will we have stability and strength. A disharmonious chorus leads to chaos."

Taris swayed some Senators to her side, but her general unpopularity with the Romulan populace doomed her call for expanding executive powers. The Senate proceeded with its plan to limit the power of the praetor.

In another possible problem for Taris, agents for Starfleet Intelligence intercepted and decoded several messages from Nova Roma to a planet deep in the Beta Quadrant. These messages pointed out irregularities in the reports about the death of General Tebok and the destruction of the I.R.W. Alth'lndor. Starfleet Intelligence agents reported that Sela had ordered her spies to investigate and find the truth of the matter.

[daBelgrave]

Volume 22, Chapter 1
Starfleet Intelligence observers reported a possible uprising in Romulan space that could further destabilize the already troubled empire.

"Velal has had enough," said one anonymous observer. "But to get rid of the devil, he might be making a deal with Fek'Ihr."

The commander of the Romulan Second Fleet reported met with Sela and some of her exiled followers in the Zeta Volantis system. Following that rendezvous, General Velal gathered a trusted group of ship commanders.

"Taris must be removed for the good of the Empire," said a source close to General Velal. "Velal's alliance with Sela will give him the ships and weapons he needs to make that happen. We don't want a civil war, but we know that there will be some parts of the fleet that will remain loyal to the praetor."

Volume 22, Chapter 2
On Stardate 78092.83, Natima Lang was elected as the castellan of the Cardassian Union. The position put her on the front lines of foreing affairs, and she stepped into negotiations with the Ferengi Alliance and information sharing pacts with the Federation.

"I have focused much of my energy these past years inward. Reconstructing Cardassia Prime was my only goal," Lang said after her election. "But we've looked inward long enough. Cardassia Prime needs to build itself a place in the Quadrant just as much as it needs new houses and schools."

One sign of a return to normalcy for the Cardassians was the resumption of scientific research. On Stardate 78441.78, the Cardassian Science Ministry announced that it had developed a cure for Pottrik Syndrome. The terminal respiratory ailment afflicted hundreds of Cardassians each year.

The ministry reports that the treatment was in final testing, and would be available to patients by the end of the year.

Volume 22, Chapter 3
On Qo'noS, the Klingon High Council was rocked by the revelation that Councilor Konjah was an Undine.

What Starfleet Intelligence learned about the situation is this. After a night of revelry in the First City, Konjah was walking with two other Klingons back to his lodgings when he was attacked by Lethean mercenaries. The telepathic assault forced Konjah to lose his humanoid form, and he shifted into his true appearance.

The Undine masquerading as Konjah was killed, and his body taken to the High Council chambers. Chancellor J'mpok then stripped the House of Konjah of its titles and status, and its members were either killed or forced into hiding.

"It was a witch hunt," says Lor Toret, a Bajoran who owned a restaurant on Qo'noS before the Khitomer Accords were dissolved in 2399. "I still have a lot of friends in the capital, and they're telling me that Konjah's family was hunted down like they were all Undine.

The sad thing is that no one knows how long the Undine had been in Konjah's place or what happened to the original. Did they kill him, or is he stuck in some Undine prison?"

Volume 22, Chapter 4
The combined Gorn and Nausicaan forces were holding steady, but analysts believed that the Klingons would eventually be able to break through their lines and attack the core worlds of the Gorn Hegemony.

"it's a stalemate right now, but Gila IV showed us that the Gorn simply don't have enough soldiers and ships to repel the Klingons forever," said Apela Luss of the Federation News Network.

While the official Federation position was non-interference, not everyone in Starfleet agreed. On Stardate 78733.25, Captain Zachary MacAllister ignored a direct order from Starfleet Command and attempted to take the U.S.S. Lindberg into Gorn space.

"He wanted to help the Gorn," reported Ensign E'swa D'rex. "Captain MacAllister kept saying that when the Klingons were through withthe Gorn, they'd attack the Federation next. And that we had to stop them before that could happen."

After a tense three days traveling through a war zone, the Lindberg was confronted by a Klingon patrol. MacAllister ordered his crew to open fire, but instead the first officer and chief medical officer attempted to remove MacAllister from duty and surrender the ship. There was a running firefight through the ship, as MacAllister and a few supporters attempted to escape capture.

MacAllister made it to a shuttle bay and escaped. He is still a fugitive.

Volume 22, Chapter 5
A contingent of retired and current Starfleet officers, including Ambassador Worf, Admirals Beverly Crusher, Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay and retired Captains Ezri Dax and Tuvok appealed to the Federation Council to reconsider its position on the Klingon-Gorn war.

"The Undine threat is real," Admiral Chakotay told the Council. "The Klingons know it. We should acknowledge it. Perhaps if we were helping them fight the Undine, more innocent people could be saved."

"There's a war coming, and it will be a long one."

Ambassador Sokketh of Vulcan led the opposition. "While we acknowledge and are grateful for the service of these find Starfleet officers, the threat of the Undine is overstated," Sokketh says. "I'm sure, given time, that we will be able to come to a peaceful resolution with these ... observers from fluidic space."

After the council closed its session, Ambassador Worf resigned his position with the Federation and returned to Qo'noS for good.

"I can no longer support a regime that willfully ignores danger and puts itself and its citizens in harm's way," Worf wrote in a letter to Federation President Aennik Okeg. "I am Klingon, and I must follow the path of honor."

Volume 22, Chapter 6
Two Starfleet advancements of note: Lieutenant Commander Naomi Wildman was appointed as second officer of the U.S.S. Hathaway, and Miles O'Brien was named head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, the first time a non-commissioned officer had held that position.

"This isn't about rank, it's about talent," said outgoing SCE chief Captain Sonya Gomez. "Miles is the quintessential engineer, and his talent for making the impossible possible makes him the ideal person for this job."

[daBelgrave]

Volume 23, Chapter 1
After almost two years of fighting, the Klingon and Orion fleets breached the Gorn lines and blockaded the Gorn homeworld.

The ships were harried by almost constant attacks by Nausicaan forces, but the blockade held. The Gorn erected a series of massive transport inhibitors to prevent invasion, and mined the area surrounding the planet with cloaked, self-replicating mines to prevent Klingon shuttles from landing.

The Klingons jammed all subspace communications, severing the Gorn leadership's ability to communicate with colony worlds and their remaining fleet. And the Orions staged a series of devastating raids on Gorn starbases, targeting supply lines and repair facilities across the region.

"It's a waiting game now," said political analyst Tag Morkek of the Tellar News Service. "How long can the Gorn fleet last, now that they have effectively lost the homeworld? What would Starfleet do if they lost Earth or Vulcan?"

Volume 23, Chapter 2
A Klingon religious sect claiming that Miral Paris is the kuvah'magh attacked the U.S.S. Pike during Paris's senior cadet cruise. The Klingons managed to beam onboard the Pike by transmitting a distress signal and convincing the Pike that they need help to repair their vessel's failing life support systems.

Pike security teams were able to contain the raiders, who were transported back to Earth for questioning. No one was injured.

"This is an isolated incident," said Starfleet spokesperson Marie Durant. "We do not expect Cadet Paris to have any problems in her Starfleet career."

Volume 23, Chapter 3
The U.S.S. Voyager, on a mission to survey planets in the Zenas Expanse, made first contact with a race known as the Lorians. Federation scientists theorized that the avian-like Lorians may be somehow related to the Xindi, but had insufficient data on ancient Xindi lifeforms to confirm their hypothesis.

The Lorians were warp capable, but reclusive. They were open to exchanging diplomats with the Federation, but asked that ships stay away from their space without permission.

And the Starfleet Corps of Engineers added the final elements to a long-term plan to construct starships using a modular system. This construction method allows ship captains to customize their ships and permits quick repairs.

"A captain can choose new components for his or her ship and our work crews can have them installed and ready to go in less than half the time of conventional ship construction," said spokesperson Marie Durant. "A damaged ship can get replacement parts from another Starfleet vessel, and the engineers don't have to worry about them not fitting or not working. This system means our crews can do more, stay in the field longer and have the ships they need to do their jobs."

Volume 23, Chapter 4
On Stardate 79231.20, Ambassador Jean-Luc Picard retired from his position as Federation ambassador to Vulcan. Reports said that Picard would settle in France.

"We honor Ambassador Picard for his many years of service to the Federation," said Sokketh of Vulcan, who resigned his seat on the Federation Council to take up the role Picard vacated. "He has always been a friend to Vulcan."

Two months later, Admiral Beverly Crusher settled in on Earth as the head of Starfleet Medical.

Volume 23, Chapter 5
A report from Cardassian Intelligence to Castellan Natima Lang confirmed that forces led by Gul Madred were likely to be in the possession of the warships missing from the Cardassian post-war inventories.

"They call themselves the 'True Way'," said Bajoran activist Crom Neret. "They say that the only 'true way' for Cardassia is conquest and death, and they want all non-Cardassians OUT.

"I told you years ago that those missing ships were trouble," Crom continues. "But did anyone listen? Maybe when the True Way starts attacking colonies, someone will take notice!"

Volume 23, Chapter 6
In Romulan space, trouble flared when General Velal appeared before the Romulan Senate and demanded that Praetor Taris resign before she was removed from office by force. Velal had the backing of many of the senators, although a vote of no confidence failed by a minor margin.

In response, Taris called for ships of the fleet loyal to the legitimate government of the Romulan Star Empire to engage those supporting the revolution. There were multiple skirmishes between the two groups, and when Sela's fleet re-enterd Romulan space in support Velal, the conflict moved into open warfare.

[daBelgrave]

Volume 24, Chapter 1
On Stardate 80344.81, the web of transport inhibitors protecting the Gorn homeworld collapsed after the Klingon fleet blockading the planet used surgical strikes to take out the planet's power relay network. Less than 50 minutes after the network was destroyed, the first Klingon landing parties transported onto the planet's surface.

The remaining Gorn forces planetside made a last stand to defend key areas, and large segments of the population took up arms to defend their homes and families. However, the Klingons showed little interest in engaging civilian militias and instead massed their forces for an assault on the capital.

Twenty-eight hours after the first Klingon landed on the Gorn homeworld, forces from the Fifth Fleet entered the royal palace and the Gorn Hegemony fell to the Klingon Empire.

Volume 24, Chapter 2
Once King Slathis of the Gorn surrendered and guaranteed that any Gorn troops left on the homeworld would not attack the Klingon forces, General Klag agreed not to take civilians into custody without cause and to lift martial law orders for most of the Gorn population.

"The Klingons seemed almost solicitous to the Gorn," said Admiral Jorel Quinn on an episode of the Federation News Service program Illuminating the City of Light.

"They were careful not to give the people a reason to revolt. It wasn't standard operating procedure for the Klingons after they conquer a world ... of course, as soon as J'mpok arrived, we all found out why."

Volume 24, Chapter 3
General Klag was given a week to stabilize the situation on the Gorn homeworld before Chancellor J'mpok arrived with the I.K.S. Vo'quv. After transporting down and meeting with King Slathis, J'mpok ordered a global broadcast and used the Klingon fleet to extend the range of the transmission to hit most Gorn colony worlds and ships.

During the broadcast, the Klingons revealed the Gorn prime minister, head of military intelligence and multiple other high-ranking members of the Gorn government and military to be Undine infiltrators. The infiltrators were then immediately executed.

"We have shown the true face of the qa'meH quv," J'mpok said. "We are defending the Alpha Quadrant, not destroying it."

Volume 24, Chapter 4
Hardliners on the Klingon High Council wanted King Slathis and his family executed to prevent the Gorn royal family from becoming a focus for revolutionaries. "We've conquered them. Now we need to rule them," Councilor Marab said. "There cannot be a king in our Empire."

After much deliberation, Chancellor J'mpok decided to offer the Gorn self-rule, as long as they swore fealty to the Klingon Empire. Slathis agreed, and as part of the settlement he was given a non-voting seat on the Klingon High Council. The KDF Fifth Fleet then withdraw from Gorn space.

"The Klingons have wooed the Orions. They've conquered the Gorn. Races like the Nausicaans are seeing the writing on the wall," said Tag Morkek of the Tellar News Service. "The Federation has real competition in the coalition-building business."

Volume 24, Chapter 5
One blow for the Klingons this year was the departure of Emperor Kahless. Late in the year, Kahless handpicked a crew from the Order of the Bat'leth and departed on the I.K.S. Batlh. Kahless left a message behind saying that the Klingons no longer need his guidance, so he was departing to look for new battles to fight. Kahless promised to return when he was most needed.

For his part in revealing the Undine threat in the Gorn Hegemony, Captain Ja'rod was offered a seat on the High Council. Ja'rod declines and returned to the command of the I.K.S. Kang.

"Until I have fully proven my worth to the Empire," Ja'rod told the Council, "I do not deserve to be in your number. I will return to Qo'noS as a hero, or not at all."

Volume 24, Chapter 6
In Romulan space, the conflict between Praetor Taris and General Velal continued to divide the already fractured empire. Kevatras and Abraxas Prime threw their support behind the rebellion, giving Velal and Sela's forces much needed safe havens and supply bases.

The war came to an abrupt end on Stardate 80957.96, when forces of the Romulan Second Fleet approached Rator III.

"The praetor had been locked in her rooms for a few days at this point, and she wouldn't allow anyone to enter," a Starfleet Intelligence observer reported. "Her staff finally broke down the door when Velal's fleet entered orbit. I think they were trying to get Taris to safety - but she was already gone."

An extensive search of the palace turned up no clues. The Tal Shiar extended the search to all of Nova Roma, but Praetor Taris has disappeared.

Volume 24, Chapter 7
Velal and Sela landed in Nova Roma while the search for Praetor Taris was still ongoing, and proceeded directly to the Romulan Senate.

"Sela made a very pretty speech about how she was a loyal Romulan and a friend to the Senate, and not once did she mention the dozens of Warbirds she had in orbit over their heads," said Mira Mandel of the Federation News Service. "No one was surprised when the Senators tripped over themselves to offer her their fealty."

The Senate named Sela as praetor and General Velal as the leader of the Romulan fleet by acclamation. The reign of Praetor Taris was over.

[daBelgrave]

Volume 25, Chapter 1
Starfleet celebrated the opening of more links in the Federation transwarp network.

"In these troubled times, this technology is more important than ever," said Admiral Chakotay at the opening of a transwarp hub in the Alpha Centauri system. "Speed is essential if we need to repel an attack by the Klingons or the Romulans, or evacuate an entire planet if there is an environmental disaster.

"Just as warp drive once made the stars reachable, transwarp will make exploration of the entire galaxy possible."

Much of the Federation's time in 2404 was spent adjusting to the new balance of power in the galaxy. With the Klingon Empire expanding its influence and stability returning to the Romulans, the possibility of either side turning their attention to the Federation increased.

"If it's not the Klingons, it will be the Romulans. If it's not the Romulans, it will be the True Way! Mark My words - the Federation will come under attack, and it will happen soon," said activist Crom Neret.

Volume 25, Chapter 2
The Soong Foundation sued for an injunction forcing Starfleet to reveal the whereabouts and condition of all of its holographic programs.

"We want to review these cases," said Soong Foundation attorney Alyssa Cogley-Shaw. "There are sentient lifeforms trapped in lives of misery and slavery, like the EMH Mark I holograms who have been mining dilithium for more than thirty years!"

Starfleet appealed the injunction, saying that the request was too broad and it invaded officers' privacy. "The brave men and women serving the Federation deserve to have some holographic entertainment without legal review," said Starfleet spokesperson Marie Durant. "Even if all classified uses of holograms were struck from this injunction, it is still illegal and irresponsible."

Legal analysts predicted this holorights case, like that of The Doctor, could go all the way to the Supreme Court of the Federation.

Volume 25, Chapter 3
On Stardate 81753.16, Chancellor J'mpok informed the Federation ambassador that he was invoking ancient claims to the Hromi Cluster and the sectors surrounding it, an area that had been ceded to the Federation for decades.

J'mpok said that he would allow the Federation three months to remove all Federation citizens and assets from the region. There would be no negotiation.

According to Federation News Service polls, more than seventy percent of Federation citizens opposed acceding to the Klingons' demands. "Well of course we're not leaving," said Cassidy Munzer, a musician living on Earth. "We have to stop the Klingons somewhere, don't we?"

Federation President Aennik Okeg called for calm. "Let's not fight the war before the first shot is fired," Okeg said. "We will explore every option open to us, and peace is of utmost importance."

Volume 25, Chapter 4
The Romulan Star Empire was enjoying a time of peace that it hadn't seen since the destruction of the Romulan homeworld almost two decades before. Praetor Sela settled long-simmering disputes between colony worlds, opened the Romulus memorial at the remains of the homeworld, and gently shaped the Senate to her way of thinking.

"She's using a little bit of blackmail, a dose of charm and a lot of guile," said a Starfleet Intelligence operative on Nova Roma. "But Romulus hasn't had a leader who can pull people together like she can since Donatra disappeared."

[daBelgrave]

Volume 26, Chapter 1
On Stardate 82001.36, Federation President Aennik Okeg informed the Klingon Empire that the Federation will not leave the Hromi Cluster or the sectors surrounding it.

"We will continue our explorations of the cluster. We will not uproot Federation settlements that have been in these sectors for decades. You claim you have ancient claims to this region of space. I say that current possession counts for something."

"We do not want war," Okeg continues. "But we will defend ourselves."

The Klingon response was swift. Three days later a Klingon fleet invaded the Korvat system, a target that may have been chosen for its symbolic value. In 2289, the Korvat Colony was the site of the negotiations between the Federation and the Klingon Empire that were a contributing factor to the successful signing of the Khitomer Accords in 2293.

Volume 26, Chapter 2
"If the Federation was still welcome in Khitomer, it is reasonable to assume that Chancellor J'mpok would have attacked there," said Admiral T'nae on an episode of "Illuminating the City of Light."

"I do not believe that conquering the Korvat system is as important to the Klingons as the message. The alliance has ended."

The Klingons clashed with a fleet of Starfleet ships sent to protect the colony and stop Klingon landing parties attempting to forcibly remove Federation citizens from the planet.

"Initial reports from the front are good," said Starfleet spokesperson Marie Durant. "The U.S.S. Montgomery Scott was heavily damaged in the assault, but it is being towed to a starbase for repairs. We are confident that Starfleet can protect the residents of Korvat Colony, and the entire Federation."

Volume 26, Chapter 3
The Klingons gained more support when a coalition of Nausicaan tribes signed a non-aggression pact with the Empire. Nausicaans who chose to swear fealty to the Klingon Empire were permitted to join the Klingon Defense Force and own property in the Empire.

"King Slathis of the Gorn should get the credit for bringing the Nausicaans into the Empire," said Tag Morkek of the Tellar News Service. "I think he sees the potential in a group of like-minded species ... like the Federation."

Observers of Klingon politics noted a development that could change affairs on Qo'noS when General Worf agreed to be gin'tak for Drax, son of Martok.

Worf has taken the title given to him by his old friend Martok, and now he will advice Martok's son on how to run his house," said an anonymous report. "Worf's skill in battle and politics could be just what the House of Martok needs to take a leading role in the Empire again."

Volume 26, Chapter 4
The Federation was gaining allies as well. The Cardassians agreed to a scientific exchange pact that further cemented the alliance between the Federation and the Detapa Council.

And on Ferenginar, Grand Nagus Rom used a portion of the profits from his trade agreements with the Cardassians to finance the passage of expanded technology and information sharing agreements with the Federation.

"He's tying us to those charity-loving, no-latinum no-goods in the Federation," raged Qaris, an independent Ferengi running a trading station in the Argelius system. "I'm a legitimate businessman! I won't stand for it!"

While many Ferengi opposed closer ties with the Federation, and others saw the profit available in trading with the Klingon Empire and other Federation foes, Rom argued that the future of business depended on good relations with the Federation.

When opposition from the Economic Congress of Ferengi Advisers proved too costly to overcome, Rom took his victories and ended his fight for a formal alliance with the Federation.

Volume 26, Chapter 5
Buoyed by early victories against the Klingons and the Ferengi technology and trade agreements, Federation President Aennik Okeg sailed to an easy victory for his third term.

"Why change now?" asked Rosa Oliver, a geologist working for Janus Mining. "He seems to be doing a good job."

Volume 26, Chapter 6
On Stardate 82626.64, the Gorn entered the war on the side of the Klingon Empire. A Gorn fleet launched an invasion of Sherman's Planet that was easily turned away by Federation forces at Deep Space K-7.

"I think the Gorn were testing us," said station commander Captain Shir th'Talias. "Now they know that we're ready for a fight."

[daBelgrave]

Volume 27, Chapter 1
The war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire heated up when the Klingon fleets invaded the Archanis Sector.

Long-desired by the Klingons, the sector was relinquished to the Federation in the mid-23rd century. Klingon forces invaded it in 2372 during the last Federation-Klingon war, and the area had been hotly contested by both factions ever since.

"We took it back once," said Commander Akira Sulu. "We can do it again. I have utmost faith in the abilities and courage of my fellow Starfleet officers."

Military observers predicted that the fight for the Archanis Sector will be a long one. "The forces there are evenly matched," military strategist Sona of Vulcan told the Federation News Network. "The Klingons and their allies are fierce fighters, but Starfleet has never lacked in courage or tenacity. There is an 82.47 percent chance that this struggle will continue for at least one year."

Volume 27, Chapter 2
One thing that was expected to help Starfleet was an advance in power cell technology developed by the research teams at Memory Alpha. The new cells made personal shield generators feasible for Starfleet officers on away teams.

"This new technology will keep our officers safe," said Starfleet spokesperson Loris Brex. "It is just one example of what the Federation can do. There is no problem that we cannot solve."

The first shield generators were issued to special teams on ground assaults in the Archanis Sector. Once the technology was adequately tested, Starfleet expected to provide it to all of its members. Three companies announced that they were working on variations of the technology for commercial use.

"Forget the shields, give us the power cells," said Soong Foundation researcher Alexander Baker. "If we had access to the cell technology now, it could cut months of our timetable to release a mobile emitter for holographic lifeforms who aren't in Starfleet."

Volume 27, Chapter 3
Starfleet medical ships, including the U.S.S. Pasteur, U.S.S. Comfort, U.S.S. Curie and U.S.S. Fleming, were diverted to the Federation colony in the Carnegie system to combat a highly-virulent plague that reports said was affecting more than 80 percent of the population.

Information about the situation on Carnegie was extremely difficult to obtain, as subspace transmissions off-world were being blocked by Starfleet for "strategic reasons." Ships appraoching the Carnegie system were turned away, and no Carnegie vessels were allowed to leave the system.

"We're at war, and at the same time we're dealing with a virus that is devastating a colony that has factories and replicator facilities that supply goods to much of the Federation," Starfleet spokesperson Loris Brex told reporters when asked about the secrecy. "Not every detail of every situation needs to be on the nightly newsfeed."

There were widespread rumors that the plague was not biological in origin. Federation President Aennik Okeg refused to comment on these rumors when asked, saying only that Starfleet needed time and resources to treat the population and stop the spread of the contagion.

Volume 27, Chapter 4
In one Starfleet promotion of note, Admiral Chakotay was named the new head of Starfleet Intelligence. Chakotay promised to bring more openness and accountability to what traditionally had been a very reclusive post.

In one of the Admiral's first briefings to Starfleet Command, he laid out what he saw as the current Undine situation in the Federation. Chakotay admitted that Starfleet Intelligence believed that there were at least 30 Undine infiltrators in Starfleet or high-level Federation posts.

"We're in trouble," Chakotay said. "There could be an Undine in this room, and we wouldn't know."

While Starfleet Intelligence did not have a foolproof method of detecting Undine in humanoid form, it was working on new technology to make this more feasible.

[daBelgrave]

Volume 28, Chapter 1
Fighting continued in the Archanis Sector, with both the Federation and the Klingons reporting significant losses.

"The Klingons might be happy that their crews are dying with honor, but we sent our sons and daughters to Starfleet to explore, not fight," said activist Crom Neret. "Isn't it time to find a peaceful solution?"

In fact, the Federation tried to do just that, sending repeated messages from the Federation Council and even a personal plea from Federation President Aennik Okeg to Chancellor J'mpok. The Federation was seeking peace talks or a cease-fire so that groundwork could be made toward a full peace summit.

J'mpok refused. "No longer will we die the death of a thousand cuts," J'mpok told the High Council. "Peace was the death of the Klingon Empire. Thankfully, it was a mistake that we caught in time."

"Conflict makes us Klingon. Combat makes us strong. I write my story with the my blade, and the ink is the blood of my enemies."

Volume 28, Chapter 2
The Vulcan Science Academy was working on improvements to transwarp technology. "It's obvious that we need to improve our security and speed," said S'larin, one of the lead researchers. "Transwarp is the future of interstellar travel - and the Federation."

Reports from the Phylos system indicated that the Phylosians were struck by a similar virus to that which continued to rage through the Carnegie system. Starfleet Medical dispatched exobiology and medical teams, but they did not expect to find a counteragent quickly.

"The unusual nature of Phylosian anatomy makes any treatment difficult," said Admiral Beverly Crusher, chief of Starfleet Medical. "However, we are confident that, in cooperation with Phylosian scientists, we will be able to help them."

Volume 28, Chapter 3
In Romulan space, Starfleet Intelligence observers reported that Sela revived one of Praetor Taris' ideas - a Romulan monarch.

"Sela hasn't said a word about it herself, of course, but allies of hers in the Senate are floating the idea," one agent said. "And it's not a coincident that people have started making comparisons between Sela and beloved Romulan rulers like Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu.

"There's even a quiet search going on for the Sword of S'task, even though everyone believes it was destroyed when the homeworld was lost."

Volume 28, Chapter 4
On Qo'noS, representatives of the Letheans approached Chancellor J'mpok, seeking either entry into the Empire or a non-aggression pact like the one the Empire had with the Nausicaans. J'mpok seemed amenable to having Letheans owe allegiance to the Empire, but overall the Klingons did not see the negotiations as a high priority and progress was slow.

In the Ghomba system, forces from the Houses of Martok and Duras clashed over possession of a small planetoid rich in resources.

"This is the start of the war, mark my words," said Tiran, a historian and loresinger on Qo'noS. "I've seen it before. There will be glory and honor ... and blood. Much blood will be shed."

[daBelgrave]

Volume 29, Chapter 1
The Klingon and Gorn invaded Cestus III, and Starfleet massed a fleet to defend the planet and its population.

"This area has been on the Gorn's list since the days of James T. Kirk," said Pike City Mayor Jae Aaron. "But we're not afraid of the Gorn, or the Klingons, or anyone else for that matter. No one's leaving the stadium until the final inning."

Starfleet officials tried to convince the colonists to evacuate for safety reasons, but the vast majority of them refused to leave. The residents of Cestus III vowed to stay and defend their homes.

"We appreciate the spirit of the Cestus III residents, but we implore them to consider evacuating. At least send the young and ill to safety," said Starfleet spokesperson Loris Brex.

"This is a war. We can't promise a happy ending."

Volume 29, Chapter 2
On Stardate 85365.28, years of instability and infighting in the Romulan Star Empire seemingly came to a close with the coronation of Empress Sela. The new empress would not have a praetor, and the Senate would serve at her pleasure.

"Security has clamped down in the capital," a Starfleet Intelligence source inside Romulan space said. "The Romulans say that they have reason to believe that there may be an assassination attempt on the empress, but I think it's more than that. This is the first time Sela can show just how much control she has."

Volume 29, Chapter 3
Observers at the coronation of Empress Sela said that it proceeded with as much pomp and circumstance as the recovering Romulan Star Empire could muster. Sela called for a return to the traditions of old, including the carrying of honor blades and blood oaths.

In fact, before taking the crown the empress used a jeweled blade to cut her own palm. As the blood dripped down onto a rug of white fur, Sela took an oath to uphold and preserve the empire with her life.

"Tradition is very important in this new order," the SI source said. "Sela is consciously recalling a golden age on the old homeworld, and using those memories to inspire the people. They're talking about mnhei'sahe again, and a lot of people have started referring to Nova Roma as Mol'Rihan, which is 'New Romulus' in High Rihannsu."

Volume 29, Chapter 4
After Starfleet lost contact with Starbase 236 in late September, it sent the U.S.S. Enterprise-E to investigate.

"This could be related to the war. It could be something else. It could be a simple equipment failure," Brex said. "Our primary concern is the safety of the starbase crew."

And a Starfleet committee determined that because of retirements, deaths and the increasing demands of the Klingon war, Starfleet faced a severe shortage of qualified command personnel.

The committee recommended revising rules on away teams to encourage more officers to seek command positions, increasing enrollment at Starfleet Academy and revising the command structure to allow for the best use of experienced personnel.

"I think we're past the point where you need to spend twenty years as an officer before you can be considered for command," said committee chairman Admiral Jorel Quinn. "We need to promote exceptional officers quickly. We need our captains leading away teams. Starfleet needs to look at our whole command structure and do what works now, not what worked 30 years ago."