The Zyrydian people have undergone a rapid transformation since Starfleet first made contact with their world. A highly superstitious civilization divided among diverse cultures, the Zyrydians maintain an uneasy alliance of greater tribes. Each regional-based group contains nearly a dozen provincial tribes. First Contact introduced them to the Federation. It was also the start of an extensive study of their society. Second Contact brought representatives of the Federation’s founding powers to discuss membership. Months later, the Zyrydians joined the Federation.

Third Contact saw the arrival of Starfleet medical, engineering, communications and operations teams across the planet. The well-armed, relatively slow starships of the natives also received technical assistance. Fourth Contact proved to be more difficult. The isolated Delz’yoj greater tribe accused the planetary alliance and Starfleet of neglecting its mountainous desert territory. Additional development in the region and direct mediation temporarily calmed the dispute.

Years later, an earthquake and rapidly mutating virus have arrived to shatter that fragile peace.

Vrexx Motts, the charismatic and increasingly dangerous leader of the Delz’yoj, claims the disasters prove that either Starfleet technology or the other tribes are responsible for his people’s suffering. Thousands recently gathered at a regional oasis, where his movement rapidly armed itself. Delz’yoj forces have since attacked and disabled a Starfleet communications relay. Their forces have massed near strategic mountain passages in a threatening posture to neighboring territory.

Starfleet returns for Fifth Contact with two immediate objectives. Officers of the USS Soval must prevent this crisis from escalating into an all-out Zyrydian civil war. Vrexx Motts is to be detained and investigated into for his role in organizing attacks against Federation facilities.

The Federation once came to Zyrydia to help unite its people. Now it must prevent that union from tearing itself apart.

Science and medical officers must soothe the health epidemic. Operations and engineering staff must build additional facilities in remote, hostile terrain. Security will have to protect humanitarian operations. Offensive operations will conduct reconnaissance and potentially confront hostile forces. Diplomatic and counseling staff will try to negotiate with Motts and his camp in an effort to prevent combat.

Captain Smythe and Commander T’Naagi have been snatched from a peaceful mission in orbit of Earth into a situation that threatens to become a large scale conflict.