Star Trek: Articles of the Federation: Difference between revisions

* [[Actual Pacifist]]: The Mizarians, as a species. Their pacifism causes problems for warrior cultures like the Klingons, who are unable to respect or relate to them. See: [[Fantastic Racism]], below.

* [[Alien Arts Are Appreciated]]

* [[Ass in Ambassador]]: The hawkish Klingon diplomat K'mtok, though he's better here than he is in his earlier appearances. He actually demonstrates a degree of genuine respect for President Bacco, as well as reasonable restraint in his dealings with the Romulans.

* [[Balkanize Me]]: It finally happens to the crumbling Romulan Star Empire. Specifically, Commander Donatra declares herself empress of a new interstellar nation, the Imperial Romulan State, with the result that Romulan space is effectively split in two. The Klingons agree to recognise Donatra's government, eager to encourage division among the Romulan people. The Federation is pressured into showing solidarity with its Klingon allies and so also ends up recognizing the IRS.

* [[Bizarre Alien Biology]]: The whole mess with the Trinni/ek dignitaries is a result of their forced physiological adaptation to the unique properties of their home sun.

* [[Character Filibuster]]: Councillor Bera chim Gleer of Tellar has never had a speech on the council floor go shorter than forty-five minutes...and that was when he had a cold. Usually it's twice that, minimum.

* [[Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangster!]]: Ihazs, as usual. He's a leading member of the Orion Syndicate (an interstellar crime cartel), and certainly seems to enjoy his life of sophistry and elegance.

* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Sivak.

* [[The Federation]]: We ''finally'' get to see how the United Federation of Planets works as a political entity.

* [[Giant Spider]]: The Koas from [[Starfleet Corps of Engineers]], essentially big spiders with octopus heads, make another appearance - joining the Federation.

* [[Gunboat Diplomacy]]: President Bacco resorts to this when overseeing negotiations between the Carreon and the Deltans. The Deltans require a new water reclamation system for their planet, and the Carreon have the design they need. Because of an old feud, however, the Carreon refuse to negotiate properly. Bacco ends up using the implied threat of Federation military strength to stop the Carreon messing the Deltans around. As she tells the Carreon Ambassador, diplomacy is the means by which conflict is avoided. If Carrea won't negotiate in good faith, the only remaining option is war - and she makes it clear Carrea wouldn't stand a chance.

* [[Harsher in Hindsight]]: During the state funeral for former President [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Jaresh-Inyo]], President Bacco says that there's one measuring stick for the President: If the Federation's still intact at the end of your term, you've done a good job. The novel ends with a somewhat upbeat callback from Chief of Staff Piniero, pointing out that while the first year of Bacco's term had its ups and downs, the Federation is still intact, so...However, two months later (in universe), [[Star Trek Destiny]] happens. Bacco did a fine job through the apocalyptic mayhem and its aftermath, but it's still a bit of a knife-twist.

* [[Implausible Deniability]]: Everyone knows Admiral Mendak was working on the orders of Praetor Tal'aura when he {{spoiler|destroyed Klorgat IV's moon}}, but no one can prove anything - particularly after Mendak and his crew kill themselves with their own honour blades.

* [[Intrepid Reporter]]: Ozla Graniv. Brek chim Glamok, too. Both end up in trouble, though at least Graniv finds one hell of a story.

* [[Suicide Attack]]: The Reman crew of ''Vkruk'', against Outpost 22.

* [[Total Eclipse of the Plot]]: In the dominant native religion of Lembatta Prime, a solar eclipse is a sacred event. The planet shuts down entirely during an eclipse, forcing President Bacco to postpone her state visit.

* [[The Unpronounceable]]: Ex-President Thelian's full name is Thelianaresth th'Vorothishria. Say it five times, fast.

* [[Unusually Uninteresting Sight]]: Balduk thugs carrying naked Trills through hotel lobbies is carefully ignored, at least when the Balduks are hired by local crime lord Ihazs.

 

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[[Category:Star Trek: Articles of the Federation]]