To Boldly Go... (a Starfleet quest)

OneirosTheWriter said:

Starfleet Intelligence expansion is about putting an extra Office into the field-deployable Departments, so that they are more likely to be available/in a high alert or state of emergency you will have increased options available. They also by necessity mean extra task force attachments can be generated.

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75% Certain said:

Alright, the TVTropes page is up. It has a YMMV page, but no character page yet. Feel free to put some eyeballs on it and edit/correct as you feel inclined. I'm sure there are some inaccuracies that need to be ferreted out... in addition to the hundreds of things I've just outright missed, of course.

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Anime_Fan35 said:

Just finished reading the TV tropes page and it definitely gives the Quest justice. There were a few mistakes in it though. The Excalibur was missing for 30 years not 20 and most of her crew was recovered by the Crew of the Courageous when they found her in the nebula. Unfortunately due to their trauma all but one member of the remaining Excalibur crew left Starfleet. The Ships Design bureau has its own thread so would probably need a separate tropes page since its not referenced much on the Main thread other then when we are talking about the latest ship design to vote on like we did when we were designing the Ambassador and Kepler classes.

@OneirosTheWriter Can you please threadmark the To Boldly Go TV Tropes link in the informational threadmark so that we can access TV Tropes link easily?

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Iron Wolf said:

The Dictator's Ball
2322.Q1​

On multiple planets, and at multiple times, a theory has arisen in whatever local field of study might be considered international relations. The idea can have many different names, but Humans know it as the Democratic Peace Theory. Simply put, it says that democracies do not go to war with one another. On Earth this insight came with limitations on what defined a 'democracy,' and social scientists struggled to formulate causal mechanism for the observation. It would be challenged by events leading to World War 3, and later the devastating Earth-Romulan War, fought between two democracies of some degree or another. Still, its spirit lives on even now, thoroughly amended, in the United Federation of Planets, seventeen states have bound together as free peoples for the betterment of all. Trust among the members has grown so large that the founding four have decided their independant defense fleets are no longer required, even archaic, and are preparing to turn to turn over command to Starfleet.

This has raised eyebrows across the Quadrant, particularly as the Harmony of Horizon, a similar Federal democracy, begins to assert itself with saccharine vigour. It's not so much the democracy that bugs these grumpy and illiberal states -- the ISC receives little comment, as they keep to themselves. But for states that rely on authoritarian government, that repress the lives of their citizens, the Federation and the Harmony of Horizon continually challenge what might be charitably described as their way of life. Or less charitably, their hold on power. The two federal states integrate others into their political structures, and by doing so have forged impressive governmental, industrial, and cultural blocs. Ones that cannot be easily toppled by war fleets or secret police.

The authoritarian states have taken notice of this new threat. On Trill, representatives from the Romulan, Cardassian, Bajoran, Imelak, Goshawnar, Dylaarian, Konen, Gorn, Dawiar, Ittick-Ka, and even Bolian and Licori governments descended into the petal-swept streets of the capitol, Leran Manev, the spectacle rounded out by the rare sight of a Tholian in a silk-draped encounter suit. One might expect such an assemballage to be an invading army, but no weapons made an appearance. Indeed, states that would otherwise be fighting or throwing bellicose insults across their borders now look away from each other and to the two super-states and wonder how -- if -- they can resist them. They have sheathed their arms and begun to talk, joining together for the first annual Cultural Security Conference, organized jointly by the Gorn and Dawiar; it is graciously hosted by the peaceful people caught between all the aggressive ones. The question posed to all invitees: "Can we work together to contain threats to our cultural identity?"

Call it an Authoritarian Peace Theory.

They, of course, also invited representatives of the powers that threatened said culture, the Harmony and the Federation. The latter delegation arrived in vessels from two separate species, ostensibly a happy coincidence. Ambassador Nethellies of Larcasis should be given a medal for his incredible ability to stay inscrutable as panel discussions on the sickness of his people were held, blustering speeches about Federation Evils were given, and 'bilateral meetings' were held between senior officials in every meeting room and on every staircase landing. The Cardassians hosted an event called 'Perspectives on Preserving Cultural Dignity,' where their classic paternalism was on display. The panel of Ashalla Pact members mostly sat silently while the Cardassian representative spoke at length of emphasising the lasting value of duty and hard work, versus the idle sloth of powers like the Federation. 'Sure, we can't feed you,' the argument seemed to go, 'But at least you can be proud of the life-taking machines you bleed to build.'

The Goshawnar hosted perhaps the most interesting panel, "Building A Mighty Machine Of Industry To Sweep Aside The Pests Who Have Beset Your Productive Bosom," mostly because of the subject matter and the gusto with which their host, Flight Lead Tulip, hammered home his points. Fighting the Federation and Horizon industrial advantage obsessed many at the conference, particularly the Gorn, who listened to Tulip with rapt attention. But the panel became more lively when the floor was opened and members of the Bolian delegation challenged some of the Flight Lead's assertions at length. This exchange briefly caught the attention of the United Earth representative, before he continued his game of Tetris 2500 against a Romulan. The Ittick-Ka gave the impression of having some smug confidence about the issue, much to the surprise and annoyance of many.

As much as the Federation, the Harmony featured frequently in the discussions of the representatives, the idea of an alliance between the two powers whispered in apocalyptic tones. When it had been reported that there were tensions between the two states, one senior official told me, everyone had rejoiced. They hoped that a brutal Gabriel-style campaign, or better total war, would soon erupt and weaken both sides, letting despots the quadrant over breath a sigh of relief. Instead, to everyone's shock, the Harmony and the Federation have engaged in a war of words, with the only casualties the occasional loss of dignity or pride. They cannot believe it is happening. And yet it is. Not doubt this explained why the Konen-hosted (but again, Cardassian-dominated) panel on "Xenopsychology for a New Era" was standing room only. The Federation's drive to understand all viewpoints, frequently mocked as weak or naive dithering, is now a weapon prized by autocrats.

The conference closed with a keynote address by Prince Erzsesh of Ghidar. The Gorn nobleman was effervescent and bold, his carefully-clipped tones seasoned with panache and gusto. His conduct was in contrast to many in the Gorn delegation, who came across as distant and frequently repulsed by the aliens surrounding them. Erzsesh's speech was one of hope, speaking of the Gorn success in drowning out the Federation's 'false and overripe promises' and providing 'true understanding and support to those among the Dawiar burdened with the great responsibility of power.' His argument was the Gorn understand the Dawiar better than the Federation or Harmony ever would, and demanded no changes for the sake of virtue-signalling. All they wished for was productive alliance.

The soft illustrations he painted with his words -- 'friendship' 'mutual respect' 'single blooms, one meadow' -- belied the fact the Prince keeps thousands in brutal semi-slavery, tilling his family farms and dying in his factories. During his time as Executor of the Collegium of Secrets he has ruthlessly disappeared thousands of activists and dissidents, highborn included, killing in the name of his aging King for stability. Erzsesh of course had wonderful words for his 'new but great friend, the King of the Dawiar,' praising the 'humble' tradition of Dawiar Kings to cast aside their old names and titles when they took the throne. No words were spoken of the suspected seven thousand dissidents killed in the last five years, the thousands more that remain imprisoned, or the grave-silent settlements left in the wake of the King's Daggers and their Obsidian Order handlers. Finally, the dapper, killer Prince made a rousing call for further dialogue, and warned that if they could not find common ground in containing the 'acidic nicety' of the Federation and Harmony then All Was Lost.

Undermining to the entire premise of the conference was the indifference of the Romulans and the complete absence of the Klingons, the most famous and successful challengers of the Federation. Indeed, a Klingon delegation was on Alukk of all places, attending the Economic Development Conference. Led by General Berst, one of the new Chancellor's top advisors, there were ripples of shock throughout the conference when it was revealed the Empire's new Producer-General was an Arin'Sen by the name of Hu'ey. Berst himself is not what many expect from a Klingon -- his hands shake, and he is smaller in mass and height than other Klingons. But his eyes are filled with intelligence and determination, and his address on logistics in wartime was pointed and effective. Unlike the flowery, concealing language of Erzsesh, he spoke bluntly about the brutal costs of war, the slow grinding halt of industry, and the starvation that followed. He then met with several key leaders of shipbuilding in the Orion Union, and rumors have begun to swirl that he and Hu'ey were there to poach economic dissidents.

He certainly left with more than anyone at the Kharhazad conference did. The Romulans looked equal parts bored and lost, less of a meeting and more a social function they felt obligated to attend. The Ittick-Ka boasted of conquests to all who would listen, and spoke of the Seven Sages in reverential tones, but didn't seem to be interested in making friends as much as awing them. The Cardassians were predictably equal parts stand-offish and smug, closely minding the representatives of their 'alliance of the willing'. The Gorn and the Dawiar were always at each other's side, grinning like a newlywed couple. There was almost always a Gorn and Dawiar representative speaking to someone from the Federation, and they spoke at length to others about how they had 'beat' the Federation at their own game. One began to gain the impression they had hosted the conference not for its intended purpose, but as an ego boost to the Dawiar and a galactic re-debut for the Gorn.

No grand alliance will be born at this year's conference. Or probably, at any of them. While the autocrats may yet give up their fiendish designs on each other's territories, the fact is that Federation has never taken planets by force of arms, so the dictators lose nothing by warring among each other. They could gain territory from the Federation by some war of conquest, but then it would become a question of how to divide the spoils, and how to prepare for the Final War that would settle the balance of power for good. They could perhaps ask the Romulans and the Klingons how that went.

What they need to strengthen is their 'culture,' but their idea of culture is so inherently chauvinistic they cannot contemplate building it in alliance with others. In short, they cannot be the Harmony or the Federation. Something like the Federation requires trust, flexibility, openness, and a belief that things can get better, that maybe even one day we can even turn back the heat death of the universe. It is an ideal based on open hands and open borders, on mitigating zero-sum, and if you'll forgive me, often on love. On one thing the leaders of the Federation and the many who chattered in the Palace can agree -- this ideal could someday be something worth fighting over.

Orsiric Karitiss is a freelance writer from Leas Akkam. He has written for the Lirohn Herald, The New Chelonian, and the Atlantic. You can find him on Insta @KatrissOrsiric_AQ75.

UP NEXT: They're the Union's hottest boys. Find out about Cardassia's answer to musical groups like LAUHAMP and Spirit Fire.

Spoiler

Vote still open! Sorry to anyone who expected an update

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Iron Wolf said:

UP NEXT: They're the Union's hottest boys. Find out about Cardassia's answer to musical groups like LAUHAMP and Spirit Fire.

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Iron Wolf said:

The Goshawnar hosted perhaps the most interesting panel, "Building A Mighty Machine Of Industry To Sweep Aside The Pests Who Have Beset Your Productive Bosom," mostly because of the subject matter and the gusto with which their host, Flight Lead Tulip, hammered home his points.

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Iron Wolf said:

Ambassador Nethellies of Larcasis should be given a medal for his incredible ability to stay inscrutable as panel discussions on the sickness of his people were held, blustering speeches about Federation Evils were given, and 'bilateral meetings' were held between senior officials in every meeting room and on every staircase landing.

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SynchronizedWritersBlock said:

You know, I think the Horizon get it though. You go to these things and let them talk your ear off, because as long as they are talking, you're winning. I hope once the border powers are affiliated one way or another we can enjoy some peace and mutual understanding!

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pbluekan said:

I dunno. It sounds nice, but then you remember that the Tauni left the HoH for a good reason. Not to mention, those persistent issues early on in our meeting with the Harmony like unexplained diseases, etc. I have a feeling this will go on as a war of words for a good long while before we get into a nasty bout of counter sabotage before we finally call them out. What the final result will look like, though...

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SynchronizedWritersBlock said:

The impression I get is that 99.9999% of the Harmony is exactly what they claim to be. The problem is somewhere buried deep in their past is the vestiges of something sinister. The Harmony of Horizon we see now is the end product, and the people we engage with today are sincere and believe in the society and government they currently have. But how that product came about seems shrouded in mystery.

Much like if you dug into the Federation's past you'd find the Genesis Device, enough rogue scientists to fill an entire conference, and shit like Earth's World War III or the Vulcan Time of Awakening.

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Selwyn said:

Please, tell us more about Cardassian boy bands. This is intrinsic to the future of this quest.

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Iron Wolf said:

The Dictator's Ball
2322.Q1​

On multiple planets, and at multiple times, a theory has arisen in whatever local field of study might be considered international relations. The idea can have many different names, but Humans know it as the Democratic Peace Theory. Simply put, it says that democracies do not go to war with one another. On Earth this insight came with limitations on what defined a 'democracy,' and social scientists struggled to formulate causal mechanism for the observation. It would be challenged by events leading to World War 3, and later the devastating Earth-Romulan War, fought between two democracies of some degree or another. Still, its spirit lives on even now, thoroughly amended, in the United Federation of Planets, seventeen states have bound together as free peoples for the betterment of all. Trust among the members has grown so large that the founding four have decided their independant defense fleets are no longer required, even archaic, and are preparing to turn to turn over command to Starfleet.

This has raised eyebrows across the Quadrant, particularly as the Harmony of Horizon, a similar Federal democracy, begins to assert itself with saccharine vigour. It's not so much the democracy that bugs these grumpy and illiberal states -- the ISC receives little comment, as they keep to themselves. But for states that rely on authoritarian government, that repress the lives of their citizens, the Federation and the Harmony of Horizon continually challenge what might be charitably described as their way of life. Or less charitably, their hold on power. The two federal states integrate others into their political structures, and by doing so have forged impressive governmental, industrial, and cultural blocs. Ones that cannot be easily toppled by war fleets or secret police.

The authoritarian states have taken notice of this new threat. On Trill, representatives from the Romulan, Cardassian, Bajoran, Imelak, Goshawnar, Dylaarian, Konen, Gorn, Dawiar, Ittick-Ka, and even Bolian and Licori governments descended into the petal-swept streets of the capitol, Leran Manev, the spectacle rounded out by the rare sight of a Tholian in a silk-draped encounter suit. One might expect such an assemballage to be an invading army, but no weapons made an appearance. Indeed, states that would otherwise be fighting or throwing bellicose insults across their borders now look away from each other and to the two super-states and wonder how -- if -- they can resist them. They have sheathed their arms and begun to talk, joining together for the first annual Cultural Security Conference, organized jointly by the Gorn and Dawiar; it is graciously hosted by the peaceful people caught between all the aggressive ones. The question posed to all invitees: "Can we work together to contain threats to our cultural identity?"

Call it an Authoritarian Peace Theory.

They, of course, also invited representatives of the powers that threatened said culture, the Harmony and the Federation. The latter delegation arrived in vessels from two separate species, ostensibly a happy coincidence. Ambassador Nethellies of Larcasis should be given a medal for his incredible ability to stay inscrutable as panel discussions on the sickness of his people were held, blustering speeches about Federation Evils were given, and 'bilateral meetings' were held between senior officials in every meeting room and on every staircase landing. The Cardassians hosted an event called 'Perspectives on Preserving Cultural Dignity,' where their classic paternalism was on display. The panel of Ashalla Pact members mostly sat silently while the Cardassian representative spoke at length of emphasising the lasting value of duty and hard work, versus the idle sloth of powers like the Federation. 'Sure, we can't feed you,' the argument seemed to go, 'But at least you can be proud of the life-taking machines you bleed to build.'

The Goshawnar hosted perhaps the most interesting panel, "Building A Mighty Machine Of Industry To Sweep Aside The Pests Who Have Beset Your Productive Bosom," mostly because of the subject matter and the gusto with which their host, Flight Lead Tulip, hammered home his points. Fighting the Federation and Horizon industrial advantage obsessed many at the conference, particularly the Gorn, who listened to Tulip with rapt attention. But the panel became more lively when the floor was opened and members of the Bolian delegation challenged some of the Flight Lead's assertions at length. This exchange briefly caught the attention of the United Earth representative, before he continued his game of Tetris 2500 against a Romulan. The Ittick-Ka gave the impression of having some smug confidence about the issue, much to the surprise and annoyance of many.

As much as the Federation, the Harmony featured frequently in the discussions of the representatives, the idea of an alliance between the two powers whispered in apocalyptic tones. When it had been reported that there were tensions between the two states, one senior official told me, everyone had rejoiced. They hoped that a brutal Gabriel-style campaign, or better total war, would soon erupt and weaken both sides, letting despots the quadrant over breath a sigh of relief. Instead, to everyone's shock, the Harmony and the Federation have engaged in a war of words, with the only casualties the occasional loss of dignity or pride. They cannot believe it is happening. And yet it is. Not doubt this explained why the Konen-hosted (but again, Cardassian-dominated) panel on "Xenopsychology for a New Era" was standing room only. The Federation's drive to understand all viewpoints, frequently mocked as weak or naive dithering, is now a weapon prized by autocrats.

The conference closed with a keynote address by Prince Erzsesh of Ghidar. The Gorn nobleman was effervescent and bold, his carefully-clipped tones seasoned with panache and gusto. His conduct was in contrast to many in the Gorn delegation, who came across as distant and frequently repulsed by the aliens surrounding them. Erzsesh's speech was one of hope, speaking of the Gorn success in drowning out the Federation's 'false and overripe promises' and providing 'true understanding and support to those among the Dawiar burdened with the great responsibility of power.' His argument was the Gorn understand the Dawiar better than the Federation or Harmony ever would, and demanded no changes for the sake of virtue-signalling. All they wished for was productive alliance.

The soft illustrations he painted with his words -- 'friendship' 'mutual respect' 'single blooms, one meadow' -- belied the fact the Prince keeps thousands in brutal semi-slavery, tilling his family farms and dying in his factories. During his time as Executor of the Collegium of Secrets he has ruthlessly disappeared thousands of activists and dissidents, highborn included, killing in the name of his aging King for stability. Erzsesh of course had wonderful words for his 'new but great friend, the King of the Dawiar,' praising the 'humble' tradition of Dawiar Kings to cast aside their old names and titles when they took the throne. No words were spoken of the suspected seven thousand dissidents killed in the last five years, the thousands more that remain imprisoned, or the grave-silent settlements left in the wake of the King's Daggers and their Obsidian Order handlers. Finally, the dapper, killer Prince made a rousing call for further dialogue, and warned that if they could not find common ground in containing the 'acidic nicety' of the Federation and Harmony then All Was Lost.

Undermining to the entire premise of the conference was the indifference of the Romulans and the complete absence of the Klingons, the most famous and successful challengers of the Federation. Indeed, a Klingon delegation was on Alukk of all places, attending the Economic Development Conference. Led by General Berst, one of the new Chancellor's top advisors, there were ripples of shock throughout the conference when it was revealed the Empire's new Producer-General was an Arin'Sen by the name of Hu'ey. Berst himself is not what many expect from a Klingon -- his hands shake, and he is smaller in mass and height than other Klingons. But his eyes are filled with intelligence and determination, and his address on logistics in wartime was pointed and effective. Unlike the flowery, concealing language of Erzsesh, he spoke bluntly about the brutal costs of war, the slow grinding halt of industry, and the starvation that followed. He then met with several key leaders of shipbuilding in the Orion Union, and rumors have begun to swirl that he and Hu'ey were there to poach economic dissidents.

He certainly left with more than anyone at the Kharhazad conference did. The Romulans looked equal parts bored and lost, less of a meeting and more a social function they felt obligated to attend. The Ittick-Ka boasted of conquests to all who would listen, and spoke of the Seven Sages in reverential tones, but didn't seem to be interested in making friends as much as awing them. The Cardassians were predictably equal parts stand-offish and smug, closely minding the representatives of their 'alliance of the willing'. The Gorn and the Dawiar were always at each other's side, grinning like a newlywed couple. There was almost always a Gorn and Dawiar representative speaking to someone from the Federation, and they spoke at length to others about how they had 'beat' the Federation at their own game. One began to gain the impression they had hosted the conference not for its intended purpose, but as an ego boost to the Dawiar and a galactic re-debut for the Gorn.

No grand alliance will be born at this year's conference. Or probably, at any of them. While the autocrats may yet give up their fiendish designs on each other's territories, the fact is that Federation has never taken planets by force of arms, so the dictators lose nothing by warring among each other. They could gain territory from the Federation by some war of conquest, but then it would become a question of how to divide the spoils, and how to prepare for the Final War that would settle the balance of power for good. They could perhaps ask the Romulans and the Klingons how that went.

What they need to strengthen is their 'culture,' but their idea of culture is so inherently chauvinistic they cannot contemplate building it in alliance with others. In short, they cannot be the Harmony or the Federation. Something like the Federation requires trust, flexibility, openness, and a belief that things can get better, that maybe even one day we can even turn back the heat death of the universe. It is an ideal based on open hands and open borders, on mitigating zero-sum, and if you'll forgive me, often on love. On one thing the leaders of the Federation and the many who chattered in the Palace can agree -- this ideal could someday be something worth fighting over.

Orsiric Karitiss is a freelance writer from Leas Akkam. He has written for the Lirohn Herald, The New Chelonian, and the Atlantic. You can find him on Insta @KatrissOrsiric_AQ75.

UP NEXT: They're the Union's hottest boys. Find out about Cardassia's answer to musical groups like LAUHAMP and Spirit Fire.

Spoiler

Vote still open! Sorry to anyone who expected an update

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Zerohour said:

Actual perfection

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Zerohour said:

Damn you. Damn you to hell.


Currently topping the charts in Cardassia is N'Step, A group of five rising stars in the Cardassian military. While they primarily act as morale boosters for the soldiers, they have each served a full tour of duty on the front lines, earning several commendations along the way.

Jasad: The firstborn son of a prominent military leader. He's born and bred to be a leader, and takes to that role with gusto as the front man of the band.
Seltan: A commoner who rose to prominence during his basic training. A patriot to the core, his strength is capable of matching even the fiercest of enemy soldiers, and is only matched by his undying loyalty.
Russol: A former rebel who finally saw the error of his ways. While he still doesn't follow the rules, every action is dedicated to glorifying the Ashalla Pact
Urist: Willowy and bookish. Rumors abound that he is in the fast track for the Obsidian order, but he always claims he's more interested in stellar cartography than anything else, and says nothing more, just offering a smile that makes the ladies swoon.
Farris: A lover of history, his favorite songs are ancient ballads reminding people of the past glories of Cardassia, and how they must always strive to reach beyond them in pursuit of glory!

While these five make up the core of the band, there are a number of auxillary members of the various species composing the Ashalla Pact. Each of these auxillaries has their own support band when performing for their own species, often accompanied by their Cardassian Counterpart to further demonstrate their unity under their flag.

Their multi-platinum newest release includes such hits as:
-Match my step and Feds we'll wreck
-I love you, but not as much as Cardassia
-The Siren Song of Space Service

Millions of fans wonder what course their next major tour will take. There are whispers that at least one performance will take place at Enio, both as a solemn thanks to all those that died fighting for their sovereign state, and as a reminder to the Federation that Cardassia is not beaten.

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