Political, Social, and Historical Information

Terran Empire

The Terran Empire grew quickly in the early years of its existance. In the mid-23rd century, it already controlled a sizable portion of the Alpha Quadrant, and was extending its reach into the Beta Quadrant, despite conflicts with the Romulans and Klingons. However, in the latter half of the century, the influence of Spock slowed the Empire's expansion, and led to a philosophical shift which emphasized total control and thorough exploitation of conquests over speed and destruction.

For a time the Empire's size remained more-or-less stable; the only major expansion was the absorption of Klingon space following the Praxis disaster. However, in 2371, Imperial Intelligence discovered a joint Cardassian-Romulan plot against the Empire, and took steps to neutralize the threat. As the Cardassians were the instigators, they were the primary target of Imperial retribution. They were unwilling to surrender easily, however, and the Cardassian War raged for several years, only ceasing when Cardassia itself was subjected to heavy orbital bombardment and surface irradiation.

The new territory gained following the war required an expansion of the fleet to fully pacify it. Spock's lessons in complete domination were not forgotten by the Empire. Accordingly, a massive new construction of ships began. This would prove to be useful some years later, in the 2380s. In the meantime, the assassination of the Empress by her consort, William Swaggart, who subsequently assumed the throne, had led to a number of policy changes. Swaggart desired to fill the Imperial coffers with the plunder and tribute of new conquests.

At that time, the Romulans were engaged in a massive civil war, discreetly funded by certain Imperial elements to hasten the destabilization of the region. In the early 2390s, under Swaggart's direction, the Imperial Starfleet launched an all-out assault on both sides of the Romulan conflict, and in 2393 had reached the homeworlds.

Their vast fleets now rubble, the Romulans had little choice but to surrender. For two years, they attempted to negotiate a treaty which would provide them some status as allies of the Empire, but Emperor Swaggart refused to accept anything less than their total and abject submission. In 2395 the Surrender of Versailles was finally signed, a document disarming the Romulan Empire in perpetuity, and rendering their populace slaves of the Empire.

Technologically speaking, not too much has changed since the 2360s. There have been improvements in warp drive technology, defensive shielding and weaponry, but nothing earth shattering. Advancements like slipstream technology, an Imperial cloaking system and demal/tritanium hull plating remains in an experimental phase, despite the scientific community's rush to exploit recently obtained alien technology.

Klingon Protectorates

Early contact between the Klingon Empire and the Terran Empire was bloody and explosive. For many years the Klingons were able to fight the Terran Empire to a stalemate. However, the Terrans had access to a greater wealth of resources, and in 2293, the Klingon moon Praxis exploded due to overmining in an attempt to keep pace with the Terrans' fleet-building. Within days, Starfleet vessels surrounded Qo'nos, and the Klingons were forced to sign the Khitomer Surrender, becoming a subject world of the Terran Empire.

Many people (including Imperial Intelligence) believe that the Klingons only surrendered because they believed they could mount a successful rebellion after the effects of the Praxis catastrophe had settled. Accordingly, the Klingons are closely monitored by Imperial agents.

Though Klingons are permitted to serve in Starfleet, they are rare and usually do not rise to command ranks. Those who successfully climb the ranks usually do so on the strength of impressive combat victories, for which Klingons are eminently suited. Starfleet is pleased to assign Klingons to dangerous missions; if they succeed, the rewards of glory tend to make them loyal, and if they fail -- well, a dead Klingon forments no rebellions.

(Former) Cardassian Union

The Cardassian Union was, in the early portion of the 24th century, a major power in the Alpha Quadrant. It extended its influence to a number of nearby worlds, and built up a formidable fleet. Although there was a nominal governing body known as the Detapa Council, the true power in the Union was the feared Obsidian Order. This shadowy organization controlled every aspect of life in the Cardassian Union, though the average citizen never saw direct evidence of its hand.

It was the Order that lent support to a group of anti-Empire terrorists known as the Maquis. Officially the Maquis were outlaws under both Terran and Cardassian law; in practice, many Cardassians sympathized with them, and a number of officers deserted (possibly encouraged by the Obsidian Order) to join the Maquis.

In 2371, the Obsidian Order brokered a deal with its Romulan counterpart, the Tal Shiar, to join forces against the Terran Empire. It then turned on the Tal Shiar, wiping out the majority of their specialized fleet. The probable goal was the conquest of the Romulan Star Empire, but the Order soon found itself with a larger problem.

Imperial Intelligence had discovered the Obsidian-Tal Shiar alliance and its eventual end, and the Empire quickly mobilized forces against the Cardassian Union. By 2373, the Empire and the Cardassians were embroiled in all-out war. While the Cardassians claimed some early victories, including the capture of Deep Space Nine, an Imperial station orbiting the vassal world Bajor, the tide turned at the Battle of Chin'toka in 2374, and at the end of 2375, Starfleet vessels bombarded Cardassia Prime from orbit.

Those Cardassians who survived the bombardment and subsequent mass excutions were enslaved, and the territory of the former Union was added to the Terran Empire.

Ferengi

Nominally allied with the Terran Empire. The Ferengi are cutthroat mercenaries who will do anything for profit; the Empire maintains control of most trade routes and industrial production. Several lucrative contracts between the Ferengi and the Empire ensure that the Ferengi will remain loyal to the Empire as long as the latinum flows.

Breen

Currently considered an ally of the Empire, which means that they are neither threatening nor profitable enough to conquer. The Breen maintain a number of trade contacts with the Empire, and are often hired to oversee facilities on worlds with hostile climates.

Tholians

The Tholians were utterly wiped out in the 22nd century, following the Defiant Incident.

(Former) Romulan Star Empire

The Romulans were a formidable foe of the Empire. With the advantage of their cloaking device, its secrets jealously guarded from espionage, they were able to fight the Empire to a stand-still, and force the signing of the Treaty of Algeron. For many years, a detente prevailed, while the Terran Empire turned its attention to conquering the Klingons.

In 2371, the destruction of the Tal Shiar led to a coup by the Galae, who instituted martial law throughout the Empire. They began building their fleet in preparation for an assault on the Terrans. Meanwhile, the Tal Shiar were rebuilding their own forces (discreetly aided by certain elements in the Terran Empire), and forming an alliance with the Rei'Krannsu, an elite force serving only the Impress, who had been reduced to a mere figurehead in the Galae coup.

Finally, nine years after the Galae coup, a Tal Shiar fleet attacked Galae forces, and war was declared. Never had the Romulans faced a civil war of this magnitude; it raged for over five years without a clear victor. There is no telling how long it might have lasted, had it been allowed to continue unchecked. It was not, of course.

Never one to miss an opportunity, the Terran Empire had been closely monitoring the Great Civil War, and occasionally funneling funds or equipment to the slightly weaker Tal Shiar in order to prolong the conflict. When they judged both sides sufficiently weakened, they invaded in force, sweeping through Romulan Space annhilating fleets on both sides and decimating planets. By 2393, Empire forces had reached the homeworlds, where they proceeded to bombard Remus and capture strategic points on Romulus.

Two years later, the remaining pockets of resistance collapsed, and the Romulans signed the Surrender of Versailles, becoming a subject world of the Empire. Those military leaders who were not summarily executed were enslaved, as were massive segments of the general populace. A large and thriving Romulan Resistance still exists, and is heavily targetted by Imperial Intelligence.

Bajorans

While exploring in early solar-sail vessels, the Bajorans encountered the Cardassians. It was their first encounter with another intelligent race, and it did not go well. Periodic skirmishes erupted between the Bajorans and Cardassians for the next five hundred years, and all-out warfare was likely avoided only because of the distance between their homeworlds. The arrival of Imperial starships redirected both races’ energies before a decisive conclusion to the conflict could be reached.

Although fiercely proud of their own technology and their combat skills, the Bajorans were also realists. They quickly saw that the Empire outclassed and outnumbered them. Rather than spend themselves in a war they were doomed to lose, the Bajorans opted to welcome the Empire, cementing for themselves a position as honored citizens.

Bajorans serve in Starfleet and in a variety of administrative posts throughout the Empire. Few avenues are blocked to them; only the highest echelons disdain them. A large number of Bajorans entered the Empire’s service in the 2370s, when it was warring with their age-old enemy, the Cardassians.

Caitians

When the Humans (Terrans) of the Earth were embroiled in their second Word War, the feline residents of the planet Cait had long since moved beyond their own war-like phase. The Caitians are descended from great hunting cats that once roamed the vast Savannah lands of their planet. These beasts evolved into bipedal felinoids who lived in nomadic groups of hunters. Then, a modern industrial and agricultural society emerged, boasting a planetary import and export business, with a focus on dilithium production.

The Terrans eventually leapt beyond their borders to enter the galactic geoscape. They brought with them their warlike tendencies and a lust for power that defines all of their actions and strategies, which was a direct contrast with the benign Caitians. As the Terran Empire spread throughout the sectors, the Caitians were not spared the ripple effect. The Empire engaged and conquered the Romulan and Klingon empires, participated and instigated civil wars or betrayals throughout the territories, and fostered general unrest in an unsure political landscape. The Caitians managed to skate along the periphery of the Empire, neither confronting nor outright defying them. It was, and is, a balancing act worthy of a Vulcan diplomat.

However, in 2293, the destruction of the Klingon moon Praxis marked a change in the Caitian culture. This change was a combination of the need for survival, and a way to quietly combat the Empire. The changes continued over the next one hundred years.

The Caits reverted back to their nomadic forebears. Entire families now travel in freighters, groups of shuttles, small luxury yachts, and the like. These groups, called clans, are comprised of family based tribes. Clan leadership can be matriarchal or patriarchal, depending on preference. These clans function as modern day pirates or mercenaries, offering their services to anyone willing to pay the price. If one tribe-clan finds themselves in conflict with another clan based on an employer, then so be it. Tribe-clan conflict is frowned upon, but it can happen. Likewise, two separate clans may join forces against said employers and loot whatever they can for profit later. The planet of Cait now functions as a giant port of call for these Clan Fleets, with the giant orbital platforms used for dilithium mining doing double duty for maintenance and re-supply of the fleets. The import-export service is waning, yet the dilithium production is maintained; these services are offered to the Empire when necessary.

Most Caitians serve on their tribal ship, but a good number do serve in the Imperial Fleet. This Imperial service is not frowned upon, as most Caits will maintain contact (and feed intel when necessary) with their respective Tribe. Then, there is the rare, yet not unheard of, instance of a Caitian going completely rogue, offering full service to the Empire and severing all family ties.

Caitians are usually in direct competition with the Ferengi for mercenary contracts. It has been debated that the Empire may be playing one side against the other, in hopes that one will go after the other and the Empire can sit back and watch the festivities.

In conclusion, the Caitians are no longer the benign society and culture they once were. They do maintain a code of honor - a way of doing things - that harkens back to pre-Empire Cait, but this code is a bit rough at times, and the Caitians will not suffer fools. Family ties, as always, are important. This pirate way of life has served them well - enabling them to survive, remain within sight of the Empire, and yet still maintain a standing as a non-direct target.

[With thanks to Lt. JoNs for her work developing the mirror history of the Caitians.]

Elaasians

While Humans were beginning to explore nuclear power, the Elasians made their first FTL-capable ship. Within a decade of this discovery, the Elasians encountered the nearby Troyian Empire. The subsequent destruction of the Elasian vessel Soltok sent shockwaves through the Elasian people. In reaction, Lord Regent Aon XIII commissioned the construction of a massive fleet, which sparked an arms race lasting over two centuries with neither side willing to commit openly to war. This ended in 2143; as the Humans were taking their first steps into becoming a major galactic power, the Troyians and Elasians encountered the Klingons. For the next thirteen years, the Klingons manipulated the conflict, seeing it as an opportunity to eliminate a potential threat to their Empire and to gain an ally in the victor.

In 2156 the Elasian Fleet crossed into Troyian space and struck preemptively at a Troyian military facility, based upon Klingon intelligence that the Troyians were planning to do the same. For the next century the two races were in a nearly perpetual state of war, as first the Klingons and later the Terran Empire fueled the conflict. In the 2260s it came to an end when the Elasian Navy developed Mass Drivers (essentially linear motors acting as catapults for asteroids) and deployed them against the major Troyian colony world of Tygress II, killing all but a handful of colonists as the Elasian Fleet rained fire upon the planet non-stop for three days until the Troyian government surrendered. The Surrender Treaty of Faju turned over the whole of Troyian space to the Elasian crown and enslaved the Troyian people.

From 2270-2292, the Elasians developed a strong bond with the Klingon Empire, and expanded militarily and economically, virtually unchecked until the Praxis explosion. The Elasians quickly allied themselves with the Terran Empire. Fortunately for them, the Empire was in a transitional period with the fall of the Rex Dynasty and the rise of Spock's less destructive philosophies.

In 2298, a new Lord Regent, Tolin II, came to power. Tolin negotiated the first of the three Vatican Accords with the Terran Empire, solidifying the alliance between the two. In return for permitting autonomous rule over Elasian space, the Terran Empire gained sole trading rights with the resource-rich Elasians.

Forty years later, Tolin II died of mysterious causes and his son Dano became the new leader; shortly thereafter Dano began to modernize the Elasian Army with the blessing of the Terran Emperor. In 2361, he began a military conquest of a new power known only as the Son’a. This conquest would lead them to a people known as the Ba'ku, and the literal Fountain of Youth. By the end of the decade, the Elasian Empire had conquered or absorbed most of the smaller powers of the area. Their rule over this area was strengthened in 2371 when the Second Vatican Accords granted them broad discretionary powers over the Elasian Prefecture.

In 2373, Lord Regent Dano N’Dak was assassinated by Troyian Rebels, assisted by the Romulans. The assassination set in motion a series of events, including the coronation of Koshic V as Lord Regent. It was soon learned that the Danteri, one of the few local powers that had not been absorbed into the Elasian prefecture, had provided aid to the Troyians and had participated in the assassination plot. Outraged, the Elasian Empire declared war on the Danteri Empire and devastated the Danteri fleet at the Battle of Thantamos Sector. Every Danteri male was rounded up and summarily executed, then buried in mass graves. The females were sold into slavery, but not before they were sterilized.

Among the spoils of war was also the world Xenex and much of the former Thallonian Empire, which had collapsed some years before. Under the shadow of the Danteri genocide, there was little resistance as the Elasian armies absorbed these lands into the Prefecture.

By 2380, the Elasian Prefecture was among the most powerful provinces of the Empire. Koshic began modernizing his armed forces, again with the blessing of Earth. Around this time, the Third Vatican Accords were formalized, elevating the post of Lord Regent from de facto Imperial Governor to a position just below the Vulcan Autarch.

When the Terran Empire formally declared war on the fractured Romulan Empire, the Elasian Navy, led by the Lord Regent, participated in nearly every major engagement of the war. In 2393, when the Imperial forces reached Eisn, the Romulan home system, it was the Elasian Fleet which saw to the utter destruction of Remus, bombing it into the stone age using mass drivers.

The Elasians are renowned for their vast material wealth, powerful military, and vicious, often vindictive nature. They are considered a valuable ally that would be difficult to eliminate. The Empire allows them deference in most matters, so long as they answer the call of Earth when they are needed. Currently, they have helped to fight growing resistance in the Romulan Province and on Xenex and Troyius.

[with thanks to Koshic N'Dak for developing the mirror history of the Elasians.]

Trill

For centuries, the Trill lived peacefully. The long-lived symbionts were passed down through the ruling lines, ensuring that the general, unjoined populace would be governed by those with generations of experience in the gentle use of power and fear. In the early part of the 24th century, the coming of the Empire changed all that.

At first, the Trill tried to hide their joined nature, successfully concealing the Caves of Mak'ala and the symbiont pools within them from the conquering troops -- for a time. However, approximately a year after the conquest of Trill, an Empire medical research team discovered the "parasites" present in a small percentage of subjects. Further research convinced them that the "parasites" were at least marginally sentient, and the Empire launched a full investigation. Eventually they forced the Trill to reveal the truth about the symbionts and the location of the breeding pools.

After removing some symbionts for study, the Empire set up its own people in place of the Symbiosis Commission. Only those Trill who had proven their loyalty to the Empire were permitted to become hosts, and the Empire was known to remove symbionts from joined Trill who defied it.

Over the years, this led to a shift in Trill society; no longer were joined Trill considered the upper class. Instead they were regarded as collaborators, and many unjoined Trill regard them with suspicion. On the other hand, the Empire favors joined Trill, promoting them above unjoined Trill and granting them greater privileges. Because of this schism in perception, many joined Trills prefer to live off-world.

[with thanks to Lt. Prell for helping to develop the mirror history of the Trill.]

Orions

An emperor once remarked of their females, "They do what they're told. What more can be asked of them?"

The Orion people were a relatively peaceful, non-warp capable race until the strange triangular ships of the Rigelians appeared one day out of the sky. Assuming that these foreigners were friendly, the green-skinned peoples gathered around the alien vessels, bearing gifts and goods to trade.

Not a single male Orion at that meeting was left alive. The females were abducted; the largest cities left radioactive cinders, and the Rigelians took over the greenskins' homeworld. Within three decades the once lush, tropical world of Taarallan (Orion) was completely industrialized into the hub of a flourishing Rigelian slave operation. The raw materials were depleted to trace amounts, the waters polluted.

The women were endlessly bred in an effort to produce more female children. Most males were either kept as breeding studs or as slaves to the Rigelians.

After the Terran Empire conquered the Rigelian Syndicate in the mid-2150s, the Orions became dispersed throughout the galaxy. The planets in their solar system were used as testing grounds for new weaponry. When they ran out of gas giants and rocks to destroy, the Empire destroyed the useless world of Taarallan.

Of the less than ten thousand Orions that survived the destruction of their homeworld, nearly eighty percent were slave females, with the other twenty percent mainly comprising the males used in hard labor due to their bulky physique and ability to hoist large amounts.

After the remaining Orions became progressively fewer in number, their females became somewhat of a legend among wealthy and powerful males. In an effort to repopulate the species for a profit, several geneticists began breeding Orions. Their plan successful, the children produced by these programs were sold for high profits to those who could afford them.

Still an enigma, most Orions were snatched up as sex slaves and breeding stock before they had much of a chance for education. To have an Orion in the harem was a signal that the owner was not someone not to be trifled with.

To this day, Orions still are considered one of the most sought-after, but least influential members of the Empire.

[With thanks to Lt. Teykier for her work developing the mirror history of the Orions.]