RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 20

Day 20-Are there any mysteries as yet unsolved?

"The galaxy is full of mysteries.

While the knowledge of billions upon billions of beings over many centuries can be accessed by the Starfleet Library Computers, there is still so much we don't know. There are so many questions we have that, as of now, we haven't found the answers to. At least, not yet. 

With all of that in mind, there are a number of mysteries that remain unsolved in the Sierra and Tango Super Sectors that are of interest to us and there is distinct possibility they are all connected."

The Ancients of Ectair

A common reference name given to the various lost civilizations of what the Romulans once called 'The Ectair Sector'. This region, which we call the Tango Super Sector today, contains a numbers of ruins and artifacts indicating no less than three highly advanced alien societies existed here in the distant past. All of these civilization are long gone, having disappeared between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. While it is not clear what became of each of them, there may be clues to their fates based on what they've left behind. Furthermore, there is a theory that all their disappearances may be linked.

Rho Gruis III, The Ryton Nebula, and Yed Prior I

The following information was provided to Starfleet Command by Mister GLEE, a Civilian Special Advisor well versed in the Xenoanthropology of these [particular] ancient peoples.

Derelict Spacewreck of the Ryton Nebula

A 'Ghost Ship' of sorts, the Derelict of Ryton is a large starship of unknown origin that has been detected on and off over the years, drifting aimlessly through the Ryton System's rather unique Ryton Nebula. The moment a positive sensor lock is achieved, the vessel seems to vanish, disappearing off of scanners completely.

The Ryton Nebula is a relatively small astronomical body when compared to the vast expanses of stellar gas that are the Taurus Nebula or the far larger Typhon Expanse. Another unique aspect of this spatial phenomenon is that the nebula occupies that furtherest orbit of the red giant star at the center of the system. Like the small planetoids and gas giant spinning around with it, the Ryton Nebula is a part of the Ryton System.

With this in mind, there is more than one mystery here. What is the Derelict ship, why is there, where is it from, etc.? Additionally, how and why does it remain where it is? Why is it so hard to detect? Is it just the nebula's conditions or is it something else? How and why does the nebula itself orbit the Ryton star? 

This one is very strange.

The Pillars of Rho Gruis III

The snowy surface of Rho Gruis III (Rho Gruis) is largely barren, rocky, and of course icy cold. Rather boring were it not for the 'Pillars of Thought', roughly 30.5 meter tall (on the average) hollow columns of an unusual marble-like material. When psychic phenomena manfiests in the vicinity of the pillars, it resonates with them and is enhanced to much greater levels. It is theorized that the original inhabitants of the planet were Psionic and a weak background alpha wave field permeates the columns for miles, even thousands of years after they perished. 

What happened to these people is inconclusive but the planet has aspects that make it a potentially dangerous place to live. Throughout the planet's year, the orbit of Rho Gruis III passes through the extreme elliptical orbit of an asteroid belt in the system. The powerful magnetic field and strong gravity of the third planet pulls asteroids from the belt towards the world and as such, it is regularly pelted by meteors. It is possible this anomaly rained rocks down upon the cities of the original inhabitants and destroyed their civilization. 

The Eastern 'Pillars on Thought' on Rho Gruis III

Giving their advanced construction techniques and psychic abilities, one has to ask, 'How did they not see a catastrophic meteor shower coming and why did they build an underground shelter or some other way of 'weathering the storm'. Did they? If so, where are they now?

Ruins of the Civilization of Yed Prior I

The civilization that lived on Yed Prior I (Yed Prior, Delta Ophiuchi) resembled a merger of the ancient Earth nations of Egypt and Roman. It is unclear if this is a coincidence or if any of these cultures actually influenced each other. It seems unlikely; though it is possible the society's artificially intelligent central computer altered the appearance of the ruins based on the information it obtained from ships and crews it capture to resemble things the Humans and Romulans it abducted might 'recognize'. 

In addition to arenas and colossal statues, the lost civilization of Yed Prior had developed powerful AI computers and various robots to assist in the governing and maintaining of their city. The going theory is that a malfunction in the AI resulted in it developing psychotic behavior that eventually caused it and its robot minions to turn on the native inhabitants. Is it possible they were all wiped out in gladitorial combats?

Advanced Artificial Intelligence Super Computer within the Colossus of Yed.

One mystery that all these situations have in common is that there appears to be no sign of the civilizations that left these relics and edifices behind. Whatever became of them, it is as if they simply disappeared. Evidence abounds of them having existed but there is oddly little showing what the people themselves were like or what happened to them in the end. 

Who is Mister GLEE?

Mr. GLEE is a character who was introduced into the campaign fairly recently, first appearing in the Season 8 Finale and Season 9 Opening Episodes, 'Enough to Plague a Saint', Parts 1 and 2 respectively. He does actually have a large part and is more of a background or supporting character but he shows up again later in Season 9 (the current season).  

He is introduced as a specialist in the field of the lost civilizations of the Tango Super Sector , a Civilian Advisor who accompanies the Prosperity to Rho Gruis III to explain the nature of the planet and its ruins. The Captain has to arbitrate a dispute between by the Mazzulans and Romulans regarding  a crashed Mazzulan ship and a holy relic it hopefully contains. At least the Mazzulans claim it is a holy relic, while the Romulans think it might be a weapon. Just before departing for the surface and the crash site, Mister GLEE reminds that Captain that no matter what happens, 'Never Forget 'Your Home'.

The cryptic message proves helpful when the artifact is activated and its psychic backlash sends the participants spinning through their own memories. Captain Fletcher views the Prosperity as home and reaches out to the others, particularly her crew, and connects them together so they can pull themselves and each other back to reality.

This is 'meta information' from me, the Gamemaster, as Ensign Shae would not be privy to the specifics of this mission and these events. 

The mystery remains however...who is Mister GLEE?

"All right everyone. Let's take a quick break and I'll give you some information on important local organizations.

See you soon!"

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Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 19

Day 19-Any 'Must See' sites?

"Hmm. We covered some of the most spectacular sight-seeing spots the Tango-8 and 9 sectors have to offer in our entry on Day 10 but let me see...what else is here that you absolutely shouldn't miss? 

Oh! I know one you have just got to see!"

USS Prosperity approaches the Vasor Space Ark at 44 Eta Librae II.

The Vasor Space Ark

44 Eta Librae II, 44 Eta Librae System

A very warm Class M planet covered with vast stretches of tropical rainforest and dense jungle, 44 Eta Libra had a small Federation agricultural colony on the planet. Approximately 10 years ago, the farming operations sufferred from an invasion of insects that was not only threatening to the harvests but causing the side effect of altering the soil and atmosphere as they died off.

The situation was becoming dangerous enough to the colonists that a Federation Xenobiologist specializing in invasive species, Dr. Tengar Nal of Catulla, was called in to investigate. She eventually theorized that the insects weren't just from a different region but a different planet. These aliens bugs were going to be a serious problem.

Dr. Tengar Nal, Federation Xenobiologist and the Vasorian Locust

 About 5 years after beginning her research, a massive alien starship approached the planet and the USS Prosperity was dispatched to deal with it. After exploration of the vessel and first contact with its occupants, the ship was discovered to be a Vasor Space Ark. The Vasorians had sent the Vasorian Locusts ahead of their colony ship 50 years earlier to assist in terraforming the planet, which they had observed at that time to be unihabited.

Vasorian and Vasorian 'Locust' next to two Human Starfleet Officers for scale. 

After an initially hostile misunderstanding, Captain Fletcher was able to negotiate with the Vasorian Leader who did not want to endanger the inhabitants of 44 Eta Librae nor did he intend to conquer another people's home. However, the star of the Vasor home system had gone nova and they were only able to develop this Space Ark and the plan they'd committed to before departing. With the help of the Prosperity, the Federation Colonists, and Federation Diplomats, an accordance was reached giving the Vasorian refugees an island continent where they could work with environmental scientists to adapt the land to their biology and the Vasorians' constitutions to the land. 

All this to say that the Vasorian Space Ark, which remains in orbit of 44 Eta Librae II, is open for public viewing via scheduled tours, with Vasorian and Federation guides. The interior of the Colony Ship is amazing to behold, with circular corridors surrounding the central power plant and control deck, before reaching the primary deck's 'Biome Domes'. Within each of these domes is a separate ecology simulating an extinct environment that once existed on the Vasorian homeworld. These biomes include animals and plants once native to their original world that the Vasorians were able to save.

It is sad to think that this is all that remains of their planet. At the same time, it is quite impressive to see what they've been able to accomplish and promising for their future that they're flexible enough to ask for help and work with the Federation to ensure the continued well-being of their people. 

When you are finished exploring a massive starship that contains 8 different alien biomes from a world that no longer exists, go down to the beautiful beaches and wonderous flora of 44 Eta Librae II. The planet is benefiting from the increased tourism brought in by the orbiting Vasor Space Ark, with a tropical resort built on the surface of the world, purposely constructed far from the farming communities as not to interfere with them. 

From the Season 7 episode, 'All That Remains'.

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Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 18

Day 18-Forgot to ask; How do we get around?

" 'We travel across this sea of stars in sailing ships that ride on waves of light. We catch not the wind to do so but must make this wind ourselves. Put your body into it, your mind, and your clarity of being.'

This verse by the well known, contemporary Vulcan Poet Silik, is one of my all time favorites. I gazed skyward as a child and imagined going there, into that 'sea of stars' but I never believed I would just appear there. I knew I'd be taking a spacecraft. I'd need a ship. 

Now I'm the navigator, the Chief Navigator, on a Starfleet Light Cruiser.

I get to be the one to set the course as we ride those waves of light."

Starships

Generally speaking, a Starship is a manned spacecraft capable of fast-than-light travel, almost exclusively by means of a Warp Drive. The Warp Drive and Warp Engines create a field or 'warp bubble' of subspace around the vessel, allowing it to bend the normal laws of physical relativity and thus move the ship at speeds much faster than the speed of light.

All the major galactic powers possess warp capable vessels, with those of the United Federation of Planets, the Gorn Hegemony, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, and the Tholian Assembly being the most powerful and efficient. While many of these starships are in the service of navies or interstellar corporations, smaller commercial and privately owned warp enabled craft not only exist but seems almost common place across outer space. 

Classes of starship are determined by purpose, size, and configuration, ranging from small Runabouts, Scouts, and Couriers to Frigates and Heavy Cruisers. Commercial and other civilian classes include Freighters, Research and Survey Ships, and Yachts. The USS Prosperity is a Mark III Ventura Class Light Cruiser in the service of Starfleet Command, for example. It's primary purpose being Exploration but it has served in multiple additional roles including Defense, Diplomacy, Emergency Response and Rescue, and Scientific Research. 

USS Prosperity, NCC-1587, Ventura Class Mark III - 2276

While there have been experimental craft, alien vessels, beings, and creatures able to travel at FTL speeds with alternative forms of propulsion [other than a Warp Drive], these are rare exceptions. In many of these cases, the nature of the FTL used can not be mechanically duplicated, is ineffecient, or produces dangerous side effects or phenomena. 

Shuttlecraft

Typically an auxillary spacecraft attached to a starship, the term is often used interchangeably for any small spacecraft launched by a larger 'home base' like a space station or even a planet's surface. The vast majority of vehicles dubbed shuttlecraft, or simply shuttles, are not warp capable and at most travel at maximum impulse.

Shuttlecraft Mondrian departs USS Prosperity for a planetoid in an ion storm. 

If a shuttle does have warp capacity it is usually given its own separate designation, such as a Scout Ship, Runabout, or Diplomatic Transport. Basically, its no longer generally referred to as a 'shuttle'. Some shuttles can connect to an independent Warp Sled, basically a set of warp nacelles, a warp core, and little else. Once linked together the shuttle takes on the title of 'Warp Shuttle' and will travel as quickly as the Warp Sled can move it.

There are Starfleet Shuttles, Federation Shuttles both government and civilian owned and operated, and of course commercial shuttlecraft of all kinds. All the major powers have their own and make use a variety of models for different situations. 

Transporters

A Transporter moves people and materials nearly instaneously between two locations, one of which is a Transporter Station with a Transporter Pad. Matter is converted into a recorded energy pattern and that pattern is then beamed to a targeted location. There, the pattern of energy is reinstated back into its previous matter form. 

USS Curiousity Landing Party beams down to a planet

Transporters are a common means of travel throughout the domains of all the known interstellar powers and have been for some time. That said, there are still individuals who are made uncomfortable by this technology and it does have its limitations. 

Transportation, or 'Beaming' as it is colloquially referred to, requires a lot of sophisticated technology, an operator with a good technical knowledge of the machinery, and skill with the use of this technology. Only the best and most advanced transporters can beam an object or person into an open space, with most needing a receiver station, a transporter pad on the other end, to safely reintergrate someone or something.

Transporters can be blocked - that is, prevented from operating properly - by a starship's shields, high level radiation, charged particle interference such as ion storms, mineral dense rock formations, and other energy, material, and spatial phenomena. For these reasons and others, while there is increasing use of Transporters throughout known space, Shuttlecraft and other such space vehicles will always remain a popular alternative means of getting around. 

Ground Vehicles 

Most wheeled, tracked, and other traditional ground contact vehicles were phased out of use almost 150 years ago, roughly by the Earth's early-to-mid 22nd century, with scattered appearances among the settlements of far flung colony worlds or by contacted species who had not yet mastered anti-gravity and artificial gravity technology. These days most planetary travel is achieved by transporter or in-system shuttle throughout the civilizations of the galaxy. 

There are exceptions however. The Federation, including Starfleet Command does see the occaisional use of Gravity-Effect vehicles, often called Grav or Hover Vehicles or, less commonly, 'speeders'. A small number of Starfleet outposts in frontier sectors will be equipped with one or more Runaway Class Grav Vehicles, used to patrol or review security and/or scientific checkpoints across a planetary surface with especially difficult terrain or hostile lifeforms. Also available, though even less common, is the Swift Class Grav Cycle or Grav 'Bike'. These are usually only given to Starfleet personnel on long-term planetary survey missions. 

 "On a final note, the Prosperity's crew are particularly fond amd dare I dare proud of a small ship only carried by a few Starfleet vessels at this point since the craft is fairly newly commissioned, the Cochrane Class Long Range Scout Ship, 'Rockwell'. Bearing the registry number NCC-1587 / 3S, the Rockwell both defies and defines the starship and shuttlecraft categories I mentioned earlier.

It is a shuttlecraft for all intents and purposes but it has much better sensors, shields, and overall handling than a standard Type F shuttle. In addition, it is equipped with a single Phaser Bank and is capable of achieving Warp 1 for a prolonged period. As she can reach warp speed, she can not be classified as a shuttle and is therefore a Long Range Scout Ship.

Only a handful of Starfleet vessels and bases have a Conchrane at this point in time and the USS Prosperity is one of them. She is an absolute beauty and a very fine ship."

We started the campaign with four shuttles given our ship size of 4 but traded in two of the shuttles for the Rockwell. 

Moving on...

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Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 17

Day 17-Can you tell us about any famous battles or wars?

"Once again we're looking back into the history of this area of space. 'Knowledge of the past informs the present' one might say. Thankfully I've had a great deal more time to research this subject, as well as briefings as part of recent missions impacted by these historical events.

I am happy to pass on what I've learned..."

The Earth-Romulan War

A four year long conflict between the space navies of the United Earth and the Romulan Star Empire that occurred (roughly) one hundred year ago (prior to the first time its mentioned in our campaign*).

Approximately a year before the start of the war, the United Earth and its allies formed a loose alliance known as the Coalition of Planets. When Romulus declared war on Earth, the other members of the Coalition agreed to lend aid but they would not engage the Romulans in direct combat.

In the later half of the war, Earth received increased assistance from these allied worlds, with additional ships supplied by the Andorian Imperial Guard. Earth eventually handed the Romulans a humiliating defeat, the war culminating at the Battle of Cheron. (Yes, that Cheron). With the Earth-Romulan War concluded, the Coalition of Planets moves to become the United Federation of Planets. Among the UFP's first acts is to establish the Neutral Zone between themselves and the Romulan Empire. 

The entire war was fought by opposing starships in space and communications were by subspace radio, audio only. It wasn't until an incident involing Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise (Constitution Class, NCC-1701) in 2266 that Starfleet and the Federation had visual confirmation of the Romulans' appearance and connection to the Vulcans.

Emblems of the United Earth (Top),

The United Earth Space Probe Agency - 22nd Century (Bottow Left)

The United Earth Space Probe Agency Starfleet - Late 22nd to Mid 23rd Century (Bottom Right)

The Battle of Dinom II 

Near the end of the war, the Romulans received intelligence on a previously unknown strategic target and launched a small fleet to take out said target. Learning that the intel on their hidden base had been leaked, the United Earth Space Probe Agency Fleet sent out a group of ships to prevent the Romulans from reaching their destination.

The two fleets met at Dinom II, a tidally locked planet constantly baked by its blue-white giant star, making the world terribly hot and barely Class M. The battle was short but brutal, with every ship involved being destroyed. No survivors to anyone's knowledge. Vessel wreckages and other debris is scattered across the surface of the planet's North Eastern hemisphere (Please reference the DAY 7 log entry for additional information of Dinom II). 

While on a diplomatic mission, the Prosperity's captain, members of the command crew, and a few others crashed landed on the planet. Using their survival skills, mechanical and technical knowledge, and sheer determined resourcefulness, the team was able to salvage enough components and make their way to a spacewreck with a repairable communication array/distress beacon. Additionally, there was some evidence that a couple of Romulans may have survived some time on the surface before falling victim to native fauna. 

The Ectair Campaign

A series of battles during the final month of the Earth-Romulan War in which the Earth forces fought to take the Ectair Sector, a major source of economic strength and stability for the Romulan Empire. With the help of the Andorian Imperial Fleet, Earth was able to gain control of the many worlds within the sector, including Ectair itself, capital of region. 

Ectair was the largest producer of Romulan Ale outside of Romulus itself and losing it was not only an economic loss but it also lowered the morale of both the Empire's common citizens and many of its fighter forces. Before the Siege of Ectair, the Romulan people were behind the war with all their hearts and minds but after...well...not so much. Things continued to fall downhill for the Romulans from that point forward, leading - as noted above - to a final defeat at the Battle of Cheron. 

When the war was over and the UFP was being established, Earth's leaders and diplomats offered many of the worlds in this area, what is the Tango-8 and especially Tango-9 sectors today, to the Andorians for colonization and development. As noted previously, the Ectair System became Mozinphar's Star and the same soil so perfect for raising the blue grains used in Romulan Ale were repurposed for the blue barley in Andorian Ale. 

The Vault War - The Khelayan-UFP War

The Siege of Khelaya 

After numerous small but intense engagements across the Coreward-Trailing areas of the Sierra Super Sector (mostly in Sectors Sierra-10, 11, and 12), Starfleet approved Captain Anne Fletcher's plan to take the fight directly to Khelaya in an attempt to access their command center known as 'The Vault'.

Khelaya (Rura Kel IV) and 'The Vault', Vault Mountain, Mid-Northern Hemisphere.

Even with their Janissary/Precursor boosted weapons and defenses, and a greater number of ships, the Khelayans were no match for the superior experience, tactics, and overall quality of Starfleet's squadron, with Captain Fletcher serving a Fleet Captain for the operation. 

Starfleet Vessels of Operation: Safecracker

While the Janissary technology was quite powerful, the Khelayan ships themselves were largely refurbished Klingon, Orion, and Federation civilian vessels, many in poor repair or outdated. Additionally, when Commander Solok used the psychic 'virus' passed on to him by the Vulcan Su, all that amazing Janissary equipment destroyed itself, rendering the Khelayan's advantage null and void.

Khelayan Fleet defends Khelaya from the Federation's 107th Fleet. 

The Continuous War of Garadius IV

Not a single war but the collective name given to the regularly reoccurring military conflicts between the two governments that share the fourth planet in the Garadius System. Of course 'share' isn't exactly the right word.

(L) Garadius Authority of Might  and  (R) Genius Council Garadius

For over two hundred years the two nations of Garadius, The Garadius Authority of Might and The Genius Council of Garadius, have challenged each other at every turn and can not agree on...well...anything. Occasionally...Often....this drives them to come to blows. The GAM wins nearly every ground combat purely by their physical prowess. The GCG wins anytime the conflict becomes a question of tactics or superior gear. 

The United Federation of Planets has an interest in Garadius for a number of reasons. For one thing, the system is strategically located within a parsec of the Romulan Neutral Zone. For another, Garadius is an excellent source of the ingredients of Vitaimpenicil, a very powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic. As Garadius is a warp capable society, it is likely that either the UFP will make peace overtures to the planet or one or both of the governing bodies will call the Federation in as arbiters between them. 

"Next, one of my favorite subjects...travel and how you do it?"

*This entry details some of the biggest differences between established canon from the Star Trek episodes and films and 'My Star Trek Universe'. 

Specifically, the canon history and details of the Earth-Romulan War, the early formation of the Coalition of Planets, the UFP, etc., are definitely not the same as they are in my campaigns. I tried to stay as close to official canon as possible but where I needed to make adjustments I did.     

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Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 16

Day 16-Are there any direct threats?

"For this next entry I decided to consult with two of Starfleet Security's best and bravest [in my humble opinion]; officers I consider not only colleagues but friends. A professional and heartfelt thank you to Lt. Sierra Lynn Tall Trees and Lt. M'Hara for consulting with me on this subject."

(L) Lt. Tall Trees, Chief of Security, USS Prosperity

(R) Lt. M'Hara, Former Assistant Chief of Security, USS Prosperity

Current Chief of Security, USS Persistence

Confirmed Threats

The Kzinti Patriarchy

Lt. Tall Trees: "The Kzinti, also known as the Kzin, are a species of humanoid, feline-like, intelligent carnivores with parasol/scalloped ears, a stooped posture, digitigrade legs, and long thin tails. Their culture is highly aggressive with a complex system of personal honor not unlike that of the Klingons. They are a male dominated society whose female are said to be 'barely sentient' and as such they greatly underestimate the female members of the species they meet. 

Emblem of the Kzinti Patriarchy in 2276

Beginning roughly seventy-five years ago, the Kzinti Patriarchy and the Earth fought in four wars commonly referred to as the Kzinti Wars. The Kzin lost every one of them. As the political, social, and economic connection between Earth and the other members of the Coalition of Planets solidified, the entire council arbitrated the Kzinti's surrender following the final conflict about 50 years ago. As per the Treaty of Sirius, the Kzinti were completely disarmed but allowed to maintain their own internal police force and ships for the purpose of trade and emergencies. 

Unfortunately, groups of Kzin privateers have attempted to circumvent the Treaty and obtain weapons and defenses capable of returning their species to 'its former glory'. As recently as five years ago, a large group of Kzinti in league with the Patriarchy government stole and reverse-engineered weapons technology that belong to the First Federation. They used this to attack the nearby colony established by the female-led Kasheeta Matriarchy. While the Kasheeta held their own for a while, they eventually requested the assistance of the UFP and Starfleet, who sent in the USS Prosperity. After then Chief of Security Lt. Commander Carr implants false information into a Starfleet Monitor Outpost the Kzin have 'bugged', the Prosperity and Kasheeta are able to lure the Kzinti into a trap and their forces are defeated. 

The Treaty of Sirius, Updated Monitor Stations, regular Starfleet Patrols...all great ways to insure the Kzinti don't rebuild their military and try to get too big for their britches once again. But they will. They're going to try. They have a history of being sore losers and I don't see that changing anytime in the near future. 

Depowered or not, I still recommend viewing them as an active threat." 

The Orion Pirates of Tango Sector

Ensign Shae:

"These are the Blue Orions, or OR-ee-ans as they chose to pronounce it, that the Prosperity began encountering once attached to Deep Space 4 and started exploring the Tango-8 and Tango-9 Sectors. 

Emblem of The Orions of Tango Sector in 2276

Consumate scoundrels, pirates, scavengers, and raiders who often appear to be proud of such titles. These Orions are an alliance of separate colonies and numerous starships all operated under the same banner.

Whether or not they desire to be recognized as a single political power is actually unclear but we've already seen evidence that many of their forces are affiliated and allied. A group of three Orion vessels encountering an opposing starship will move away, only to return with additional ships for reinforcement. 

At present, their long term goals and objectives remain unclear beyond continued piracy, 'claim-jumping' salvages, and other interstellar crimes. They appear to be operating more like the Orion Syndicate than a true 'fleet', little more than starfaring organized crime.

That said, their 'Raider Class' starships have engaged Starfleet vessels in direct combat, establishing themselves as a hostile force representing a hostile entity, regardless of the actual structure of their government, military, or lack thereof. " 

The Romulan Star Empire

Lt. M'Hara: "The Romulan Star Empire may very well be our (the UFP's) most competent and competitive rival. Like us, they explore, research, trade, and enforce their borders will military might when necessary. To that end, I can respect them.

However...that's where it ends.

Emblem of the Romulan Star Empire in 2276

What makes them different from the Federation is we're generally exploring to gain knowledge that will help improve the lives of our citizens. Every citizen. We use force to protect lives and prevent incursions by hostile beings. We don't try to conquer, we don't use knowledge only to benefit the wealthly and powerful, and we make friends, not subjects or serfs. 

*A grim smirk crosses her lips* That's a pretty key [Cygnetian Expletive - Can Not Translate] difference in my book. 

What prevents us, the Federation and the Romulans, from constantly butting heads at every turn? Very little I'm sorry to say. Yes, there is the Neutral Zone. We have amazing Sensors watching them. They have Cloaking Devices to sneak past us. We have Photon Torpedoes. They have Plasma Torpedoes. It's a race, a challenge, a struggle to see who can tear down the wall and get away with it first. 

Once we tear down the wall, we'll extend a hand in friendship. Once they tear down the wall, the knives will come out and the disruptors will fire. Again, pretty [Cygnetian Expletive - Can Not Translate] different."

Potential Threats

The Khelayan Assembly (Formerly The Khelayan Syndicate Combine)

Lt. Tall Trees: "After decades and decades of suffering under Klingon rule, the Khelayan people were able to throw their conquerors off of Khelaya with a combination of weapons secretly purchased from Orion Traders and gear stolen from the Klingons themselves. 

(L) Vault War - Khelayan Syndicate Combine and (R) Current - Khelayan Assembly 

Not long after, an unprecidented seismic disturbance revealed a massive structure formerly buried beneath the planet's surface - The Vault. The hollowed out mountain was found to be a long lost command center and armory constructed by the Janissaries, a militant offshoot of the ancient and highly advanced Precursors.

Adapting to and reverse-engineering some of the Janissary technology, the long picked on Khelayans became the bullies, attacking ships belonging to the Klingons, the Orion Syndicate, and eventually the Federation. Things continued to escalate and eventually a state of war was declared between the Khelayan Syndicate Combine and the UFP. Starfleet won the decisive battle and in the process, the Janissary's creations essentially self-destructed. 

With the aid of Starfleet and Federation Diplomats, a contingency of Khelayan dissidents who opposed the aggressive plans of their 'Vault Commitee were placed in power, reforming the Khelayan Combine into the more peaceful and democratic Khelayan Assembly. The Assembly has proven a very effective political entity but so much of their efforts and resources have been focused on restorations and reparations for the activities of their predecessors. The Federation is supplying aid in exchange for access to the destroyed Janissary structures and machinery for scientific study. 

I feel for the Khelayan people; for those dragged onto a path and into a war they didn't want to be a part of. But...a great many Khelayans made the conscious decision to act like their oppressors after being freed from oppression. That has a cost and they need to pay it. 

I believe the Khelayans have learned a lesson from this ordeal and they will prosper as a result. I know they will. However, there are still Khelayan ships out they that may have learned nothing. We need to keep our eyes and ears open for those misguided spirits."

The Mazzulan Enclave:

Ensign Shae:

"The UFP's first encounters with the Mazzulans occurred when the latter attacked shipping lanes near the Federation worlds of Therbia (Aaamazzara), Delta, and Rhaandar, causing Starfleet to label them a hostile species and their vessels as pirate ships.

After a Federation Security Council meeting revealed Ambassador Nagsot 108 [of Arcturus] had amassed tactical intelligence on the Mazzulans dating back over a decade, at attempt was made on his life. His diplomatic shuttle was sabotaged, forcing it to crash on Dinom II  and marooning the Ambassador, Capt. Anne Fletcher, Commander Bhoth, Commander Carr, Lt. Wilder, two other Starfleet Officers, and the assassin! After the Prosperity crew managed to keep everyone alive and got them rescued, the saboteur felt she owed them for and not only admitted to her crime but explained what prompted the Mazzulans' actions. 

They [the Mazzulan Enclave] were not actually angry with the Federation but rather scared our intel would end up leaked to their real enemy, the Romulans. The Mazzulans are proud but also desperate and it drove them to bad decisions. Now, after Capt. Fletcher and the Prosperity helped moderate the Mazzulan/Romulan dispute and 'resolved' the Beacon of K'atrahal situation, our relationship with the Enclave is significant'y different.

The Mazzulans are now open to diplomatic talks with the Federation and we are cautiously optimistic about future relations between the two. However, take that with..the Human expression is 'a grain of salt'. The UFP and Starfleet remain wary. Any power that can become that aggressive that quickly when they believe themselves backed into a corner is a too volatile to trust so easily so soon.  

(L) The Mazzulan Enclave and (R) The Mazzulan Navy

I will conclude my entry on the Mazzulans by saying I would personally categorize them as potential allies and not potential threats. It will take time but I believe many of the Federation member species have more in common with the Mazzulans that initially perceived."

*Although I have created a great many NPCs for this campaign (that's the understatement of the century), I also encouraged the 'Department Heads' to come up with various members of their staff. Alex created about a dozen Engineers operating under Commander Bhoth, Leo created a much smaller number of Scientists, and Arthur came up with a half a dozen key Security personnel. Landing Parties might beam down with two expendable Security Officers but if we knew there was going to be trouble you might have these two accompanied by a named officer like Lt. Tall Trees. After surviving time after time, Tall Trees became a well liked background character and I thought about making her the Assistant Chief of Security, until...

**Lt. M'Hara started as a Player Character, run by my [at the time] girlfriend Esmeralda. After a few sessions she couldn't make the games anymore but I liked M'Hara so she stayed on as an NPC. Eventually, after one of our 'Season Finales', I decided to open the next season with Tall Trees as Asst. Security Chief. Wait...what happened to M'Hara? Transferred to the USS Persistence and promoted to their Chief of Security. 

***The idea up above is that each character is giving information about the main antagonist of the season when they were top Security NPC. If the antagonist is current to the campaign, I had Ensign Shae chime in as well. 

"Next, a brief history of war as it applies to our current region of the frontier..."

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Barking Alien

Happy Luna New Year! 2026 is the Year of the Horse! Gong Hei Fat Choi!