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Description
By September 2265, the Zekti Crisis had reached an apparent stalemate. Zekti Coalition forces had routed the majority of the rebellious fleet; but at great cost of its own military. If it wasn't for the timely assistance of the Federation 2nd fleet, the much feared subspace warheads may have been fired in anger. The Zekti people had just been admitted as a Federation member in 2263, and this civil war continues to be a source of difficulty and embarrassment for the local government. At the time, it was hoped that entry to the UFP would provide some stability to region but the reverse has proven to be true.

As the last of the rebel leaders retreated to the aquatic world of Limsta, the Zekti Prime Minister demanded a return to the negotiating table. With representatives from the UFP summoned to host the official cessation of hostilities aboard the USS Hotaru. Expectedly, tensions were still running high when the Zekti ambassadors and rebel leaders were gathered aboard the Federation starship. However, no one could have expected the foul play that would occur.

Just hours before, the scout ship Artemis had received crucial intelligence that there was double agent among the Zekti government delegation. The intentions were still unknown but their contact was certain that the rebels had never intended to stop the fighting. As the scout ship prepared to notify the Hotaru, they were suddenly jumped by two squadrons of Zekti rebels. Notably, the Artemis subspace comm systems were severely damaged during the skirmish. And with no other means of communication, the USS Artemis proceeded to Limsta at maximum warp, preparing to send the crucial intel as soon as they were in range.

The abrupt arrival of the scout ship caused undue commotion between the crews of the Starfleet ships. But their intel settled any lingering confusion. The reality of the situation quickly sunk in and red flags were raised aboard the Hotaru. Still, the first round of talks were already underway and by the time the security officers inside were notified, a massive explosion ripped across the secondary hull. Killing the entirety of the delegation, and injuring numerous others. The intensity of the blast crippled the USS Hotaru's primary systems, starboard engine, and rocked the nearby vessels around her. It would take several grueling minutes to restore the ship's bearings, with the USS Artemis well in hand to tractor the tumbling vessel to safety.

What would be known as the "Bombing of the Hotaru" sent a clear message to the Zekti government and the Federation. Negotiations were never an option. The rebels were willing to resort to underhanded tactics for their cause and even threatened to do the same to Frejona (A joint Zekti-UFP colony); with a portable subspace warhead. Needless to say, this was the watershed moment of the Zekti Crisis of 2265. And historians will continue to debate if the "Closure Campaign" that followed was truly justified.

Models by GMunoz

Description
By September 2265, the Zekti Crisis had reached an apparent stalemate. Zekti Coalition forces had routed the majority of the rebellious fleet; but at great cost of its own military. If it wasn't for the timely assistance of the Federation 2nd fleet, the much feared subspace warheads may have been fired in anger. The Zekti people had just been admitted as a Federation member in 2263, and this civil war continues to be a source of difficulty and embarrassment for the local government. At the time, it was hoped that entry to the UFP would provide some stability to region but the reverse has proven to be true.

As the last of the rebel leaders retreated to the aquatic world of Limsta, the Zekti Prime Minister demanded a return to the negotiating table. With representatives from the UFP summoned to host the official cessation of hostilities aboard the USS Hotaru. Expectedly, tensions were still running high when the Zekti ambassadors and rebel leaders were gathered aboard the Federation starship. However, no one could have expected the foul play that would occur.

Just hours before, the scout ship Artemis had received crucial intelligence that there was double agent among the Zekti government delegation. The intentions were still unknown but their contact was certain that the rebels had never intended to stop the fighting. As the scout ship prepared to notify the Hotaru, they were suddenly jumped by two squadrons of Zekti rebels. Notably, the Artemis subspace comm systems were severely damaged during the skirmish. And with no other means of communication, the USS Artemis proceeded to Limsta at maximum warp, preparing to send the crucial intel as soon as they were in range.

The abrupt arrival of the scout ship caused undue commotion between the crews of the Starfleet ships. But their intel settled any lingering confusion. The reality of the situation quickly sunk in and red flags were raised aboard the Hotaru. Still, the first round of talks were already underway and by the time the security officers inside were notified, a massive explosion ripped across the secondary hull. Killing the entirety of the delegation, and injuring numerous others. The intensity of the blast crippled the USS Hotaru's primary systems, starboard engine, and rocked the nearby vessels around her. It would take several grueling minutes to restore the ship's bearings, with the USS Artemis well in hand to tractor the tumbling vessel to safety.

What would be known as the "Bombing of the Hotaru" sent a clear message to the Zekti government and the Federation. Negotiations were never an option. The rebels were willing to resort to underhanded tactics for their cause and even threatened to do the same to Frejona (A joint Zekti-UFP colony); with a portable subspace warhead. Needless to say, this was the watershed moment of the Zekti Crisis of 2265. And historians will continue to debate if the "Closure Campaign" that followed was truly justified.

Models by GMunoz