94493.6 Federation News Service
Quadrant Ravaged by Renewed Hur'q Attacks as Negotiations Begin on DS9
In the weeks since the emergence of the Hur'q, encounters have been sporadic and the lull in combat has afforded local powers a chance to start recovering from the Tzenkethi Conflict. Unfortunately, such a peace wasn't meant to last. It's now being reported that the Hur'q have begun a fierce offensive, leaving the Alpha Quadrant once again on the defensive.
Major incursions have been reported by both the Ferengi Alliance and Cardassian Union. FNS correspondents in the area are also hearing of attacks on more than a half-dozen other minor Alpha Quadrant powers including the Lukari, Kentari, Na'kuhl, and even the Breen. Along with DS9, Starfleet forces stationed at Starbase 621 and Starbase 211 have been placed on high alert. Starships have been deployed along the Federation border, with a priority on defending the Bajor, Trill, and Denobula Sectors. At present, it appears that no Starfleet ships are being assigned to assist the Ferengi or the Cardassians. President Okeg has yet to make an official statement, and officials at Starfleet Command have been unavailable for comment since the start of the crisis.
While the Romulan Republic is supporting Starfleet with an expeditionary force in the Bajor Sector, they too have yet to commit to the defense of allied powers in the Alpha Quadrant. Military analysts believe the Republic may be somewhat overextended, as a result of a number of costly recent clashes with the Star Empire.
In contrast, the Klingon Defense Force seems to have more than enough assets available to lend aid, but in an uncharacteristic move, the KDF has reportedly begun to pull out of the area, leaving behind only a token force at DS9 to represent the Empire's interests. KDF Fleets operating nearby have been ordered to return to their normal duties and are not participating in local defense efforts. FNS sources on Qo'noS paint a picture of a people divided. Many Klingons are eager to do battle with this ancient enemy, but still more seem to consider the Hur'q a problem that should be left for the Dominion, alone, to deal with. According to a spokesman for the High Council, the later is an opinion held by Chancellor J'mpok - and one for which he intends to advocate with the other Alliance leaders.
Major incursions have been reported by both the Ferengi Alliance and Cardassian Union. FNS correspondents in the area are also hearing of attacks on more than a half-dozen other minor Alpha Quadrant powers including the Lukari, Kentari, Na'kuhl, and even the Breen. Along with DS9, Starfleet forces stationed at Starbase 621 and Starbase 211 have been placed on high alert. Starships have been deployed along the Federation border, with a priority on defending the Bajor, Trill, and Denobula Sectors. At present, it appears that no Starfleet ships are being assigned to assist the Ferengi or the Cardassians. President Okeg has yet to make an official statement, and officials at Starfleet Command have been unavailable for comment since the start of the crisis.
While the Romulan Republic is supporting Starfleet with an expeditionary force in the Bajor Sector, they too have yet to commit to the defense of allied powers in the Alpha Quadrant. Military analysts believe the Republic may be somewhat overextended, as a result of a number of costly recent clashes with the Star Empire.
In contrast, the Klingon Defense Force seems to have more than enough assets available to lend aid, but in an uncharacteristic move, the KDF has reportedly begun to pull out of the area, leaving behind only a token force at DS9 to represent the Empire's interests. KDF Fleets operating nearby have been ordered to return to their normal duties and are not participating in local defense efforts. FNS sources on Qo'noS paint a picture of a people divided. Many Klingons are eager to do battle with this ancient enemy, but still more seem to consider the Hur'q a problem that should be left for the Dominion, alone, to deal with. According to a spokesman for the High Council, the later is an opinion held by Chancellor J'mpok - and one for which he intends to advocate with the other Alliance leaders.
Deep Space 9 has been moved from Bajor's orbit back to the mouth of the Bajoran Wormhole, where it continues to host a Dominion delegation. Repair efforts are underway, and the station is being prepared for a diplomatic conference to discuss the crisis. The Federation, Romulan Republic, and Klingon Empire have all committed to meet with Dominion representatives. Though the FDC refused to comment on the position of the Dominion, it's also been reported that refugees fleeing the Hur'q in the Gamma Quadrant have started to pour through the wormhole, in search of a safe haven. Bajor and DS9 have so far been willing to house the displaced, but neither a long-term solution nor official policy has been announced. The Dominion's stance on the refugee situation is similarly unclear, but for the moment there have been no reported hostilities between the Dominion fleet and any other allied forces.
Federation traffic advisories remain in effect, and civilians are advised to avoid the Alpha Quadrant border regions for their own safety. Commercial vessels bound for Cardassia and Ferenginar are being redirected to the nearest Federation Starbases until secure routes can be guaranteed.
Federation traffic advisories remain in effect, and civilians are advised to avoid the Alpha Quadrant border regions for their own safety. Commercial vessels bound for Cardassia and Ferenginar are being redirected to the nearest Federation Starbases until secure routes can be guaranteed.
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((Events of Storm Clouds Gather are now fleet canon.))
((Additional Sources: Moving Shadows, The Past and Present, Opiate of the Masses, The Golden Nagus, qa'wI' 'oy'Hey.))