Romulan Diaspora: Short Story Contest

The Neutral Zone was established by a treaty negotiated at the end of the Earth-Romulan War, which provided a buffer that would allow the Romulan Star Empire to withdraw from the galactic affairs and interactions with the Federation for at least a good century. Though the Empire would reenter the political stage, the Neutral Zone was then reinforced and redefined in 2311 by the Treaty of Algeron and was in place until it’s collapse after the Romulan supernova. The habitable planets within the Neutral Zone had become prime locations for the refugees to evacuate, which would initially violate such a treaty without consultation with the Federation. When learning of the crisis the Federation offered to aid in the evacuation and the Neutral Zone could no longer remain an exclusion zone.

After the attack on Mars and the Federation turning inward as the Romulan Star Empire fracturing after the supernova, neither side had the will or capacity to restore the Neutral Zone. With neither side claiming jurisdiction, the old Neutral Zone had become an uncontested region of independent planets and settlements, commercial undertakings, as well as pirates and warlords that were seeking to capitalize on the lawlessness. Independent groups such as the Fenris Rangers rose to protect the locals.

Task Force 93 is tasked with providing humanitarian support and protection to struggling regions of the galaxy. You’re the Captain of the USS Ares an Intrepid-class Starship, you receive orders from Devron Fleet Yards to respond to a distress call from a planet within the old Neutral Zone requesting aid. This short story should include the name of the planet, why they are requesting aid, and if there is a solution that either quick or will take time to resolve you decide.

Criteria

• Entries should be a minimum of 1,000 words and a maximum of 3,000 words, exclusive of titles. Because of this length, please put your story into a Google Document and make sure the sharing settings are set to 'anyone with the link can view' and then place the link in the submission box.
• Entries should contain a complete narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. Entries will be judged on creativity, style, adherence to the prompt, and appropriateness for the setting. Spelling and grammar will not be important judging criteria but will be used to break ties.