Caitian First Contact

[Cptn Elias Moore 0]

Foreign Affairs Docket

Caitian First Contact

Filed by Admiral Daniel Leonard

 

Commodore Moose,

 

As you have no doubt gathered from reports, attempts have recently been made by an agency that's identity remains a mystery to us to shatter existing alliances and disrupt efforts to forge new alliances in the region of the Solar system. This agency intends to cause hostility among the regional powers. It has been decided that we will answer its actions in opposing fashion--by building new alliances.

 

This race known as the 'Caitians' has extended an invitation to us. The Tellarites can not say why, but we assume they have taken notice of our recent political activities. Ambassador Graal has described them as 'pacifist to an extreme.' The Tellarites have apparently pressed the Caitians for aid in their conflicts with the Andorians, the Caitians' continued refusals driving them to frustration. It is believed that their attitude is derived from a history not far detached from that of the Vulcans--brutal warfare followed by an age of enlightenment. The Tellarites know little of this, however, because the Caitians very rarely open discussions with them, and they have never bothered to ask at the risk of straining relations between the two peoples. Grall has indicated that the invitation to humanity came as quite a surprise from the otherwise reclusive race. This is a definite good sign. If our recent forging of alliances has impressed the Caitians (for, indeed, it has gathered much attention), your mission should meet with very little difficulty.

 

Despite their reclusive nature, the Caitians are always warm and receptive when contacted by the Tellarites. They are said to possess a level of technology beyond our own, but put more of an emphasis on the sciences than on engineering. They have provided the Tellarites with a great deal of medical technology, in particular. They possess warp technology but, for the most part of their population, have no interest in exploration beyond their home planet. They have advised the Tellarites on a wide variety of topics, from the political to the spiritual, possessing a wisdom and sense of inner peace that the Tellarites respect. They value strength, pride, and fair judgement, and are especially scornful of treacherous or violent behavior.

 

Cait does not have a centralized government. The inhabited areas are divided into districts which are ruled by the planet's strongest tribes. The Tellarites' contact on Cait is M'nerrva, elder of the N'Goras, one of the more notable tribes. Through the respect she has earned from her people, M'nerrva is recognized as the spokesperson of Cait, despite having no authority outside of her own tribe. The invitation for first contact came from her; she will be the one to contact you as soon as Challenger arrives at Cait.

 

Admiral Gardner has insisted that I bring one point to your attention. The Tellarites have informed us that the asteroid belt in the Caitians' star system is one of the most resource-rich locations they have ever encountered. It is particularly rich in dilithium and metal ores, minerals which are integral to our fleet's expansion. Members of our starship development projects would appreciate it if you could acquire the rights to set up mining operations in this belt. I must ask that you put aside any misgivings you might have about a rapid expansion of our fleet, given the levels of concern that the simultaneous constructions of Challenger and Columbia caused among local powers. Many of my fellow Admirals will be disappointed if you do not acquire those rights.

 

We are relying heavily on you and your crew, Commodore. Please do be cautious and heed carefully the points that I have brought to your attention. Despite the general feelings of the Earth public, these are uneasy times. Your mission to Cait could be a turning point in easing or further exciting general feelings of anxiety.

 

Good luck!