USS Pandora Invited to Review Romulan Forces on Elyshan Border

Posted on Wed Mar 3rd, 2010 @ 10:07am by Vice Admiral Iluvar

In the wake of the pivotal Taevon Conference, Starfleet officials have expressed concern over the growing strife within the Romulan Empire and the effects that inner conflict may have on their ability to defend against possible aggression by the Elyshans. Representatives of the Romulan Senate have officially invited Rear Admiral Iluvar, the senior field officer in along the Elyshan border, to review the forces of the Romulan Star Empire operating in that region.

Delegates from across the quadrant met recently at Starbase 386 to discuss growing concerns with the increasing hostility shown by the Elyshans, especially as demonstrated at the Battle of Altorus. As if to accentuate these concerns, a brief standoff occurred when Elyshan forces arrived at Starbase 386 during what has become known as the Taevon Conference. While the situation was eventually diffused, there is no doubt that now, more than ever, the Federation and her allies cannot afford to not cooperate.

Perhaps of greatest concern are the forces operating on both sides of the Elyshan border. The commanding officers of Starfleet’s Eighth Fleet, which operates in that region, have noticed a significant increase in Elyshan activity along the border. Rear Admiral Iluvar, commanding officer of Horizon Fleet’s Task Force 22, has been named the lead field officer in dealing with the Elyshans. Since his appointment, Rear Admiral Iluvar has advocated a policy of exploration and diplomacy over confrontation.

The USS Pandora, one of Starfleet's newest Luna-class exploration vessels, has been invited to review Romulan forces arrayed along the Elyshan border. The Pandora will be commanded by Rear Admiral Iluvar, formerly of the USS Tethys, a move which analysts say shows a definite shift of Starfleet's focus from military to exploratory operations.

"A laudable goal, but I fear, ultimately naive," says Dr. Mark Scuten, Professor of Interstellar Politics at New Athens University. Dr. Scuten is one of a vocal and growing group of analysts and academics who praise Starfleet's aims in theory, but claim that tensions with the Elyshans and turmoil in the Romulan Empire make this 'new age of exploration' impossible in practice.

"The idea of returning to a 'Golden Age' of exploration is a wonderful idea," Dr. Scuten said at a recent conference on Earth. "But the galaxy as we know it is not the same as it once was, so we cannot assume that these lofty ideals still hold merit. The Luna class is a symbol, but the question becomes, a symbol of what? Exploration? Or weakness in an increasingly destabilized political environment? The Federation cannot afford the naiveté of the past."

When asked about his decision to assume command of the Pandora, Rear Admiral Iluvar replied, “I welcome the opportunity that my new assignment will bring. The Tethys is a fine ship and has carried myself and my crew through many trials. In the end, she remains a primarily tactical vessel. It is my hope that the Pandora will show the Federation, her allies, and the Elyshans that we seek understanding over conflict. Hostility is borne of fear, fear of what we do not understand. By gaining a greater understanding of the regions separating our two peoples, we can begin to better understand the Elyshans.”

 

Category: General News