Difference between pages "Niagara Class" and "Task Force 47"

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{{icons|bfc}}{{Task Force
{{Specification
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| name = Task Force 47
| image = [[Image:Niagara1.png]]
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| seal = [[Image:TF47SealSmall.png]]
| displayName = '''''Niagara'' Class'''
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| mandate = Pathfinding Operations
| name = Niagara
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| headquarters = [[Deep Space 47]]
| affiliation = [[United Federation of Planets]]
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| url = [https://bravofleet.com/group/task-force-47 Main Website]
| operator = *[[Starfleet]]
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| co = [[bfms_char:72402|CAPT Taavik]]
*[[Starfleet Auxiliary]]
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| xo =  
| status = *Retired (Starfleet)
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| logo = [[Image:Tf47-logo.png]]
*Active (Starfleet Auxiliary)
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}}Based out of [[Deep Space 47]] at the gateway to the [[Thomar Expanse]], Task Force 47 is charged with establishing and developing new opportunities for [[Starfleet|Starfleet’s]] primary mission of exploration. The pathfinders of the fleet, it is their duty to negotiate with local powers for access, support, and intelligence in order to explore regions previously inaccessible due to practicality or politics.
| role =
 
| type = Star Cruiser
 
| precedingClass =
 
| succeedingClass =
 
| dateEntered = 2345
 
| productionEnd = 2365
 
| retired = 2400
 
| expectedDuration = 100 Years
 
| expectedRefit = 10 years
 
| timeResupply = 2 Years
 
| crewComplement = *100 Standard
 
**Up to 250 medical personnel
 
| emergencyCap = *3,000 Maximum
 
**1,000 intermediate care patients; or,
 
**125 critical care patients
 
| civilians =
 
| populationCap =
 
| flightCrew =
 
| passengers = 1,250
 
| length = 443 meters
 
| width = 260 meters
 
| diameter =
 
| height = 130 meters
 
| decks = 23
 
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
 
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 8
 
| maxSpeed = Warp 9
 
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.8 (36 hours)
 
| energyWeapons =
 
| torpLaunchers =
 
| torpPayload =
 
| shields = Multi-Layered Shielding System
 
| dockingfacilities =  
 
| shuttleBays = 1
 
| shuttles = 8
 
| runabouts =  
 
| fighters =  
 
| aux =
 
| msd =
 
}}
 
The '''Niagara-class star cruiser''' is an exceptionally fast but also exceptionally odd starship, dating to the 2340s. Originally a light cruiser, its current configuration shows commonality with both the [[Ambassador Class|Ambassador-class heavy cruiser]] and the [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy''-class explorer]], thanks to a refit in the early 2360s. While the initial design specifications called for simply a smaller, more efficient version of the ''Ambassador'', in practice, these ships have been costly to operate and crew, so few of them still exist. Now retired from mainline Starfleet service, some of these ships continue on in an unarmed capacity as transports or hospital ships under the flag of the [[Starfleet Auxiliary]].
 
== Science and Exploration ==
 
[[File:Niagara4.png|thumb|A rear quarter of the ''Niagara'' class.]]The ''Niagara'' was comparatively large for a light cruiser, especially compared to the designs that emerged in the 2350s and following the Borg attack in the late 2360s and early 2370s, so it has more space onboard for labs, scientific equipment, and research personnel. It also has a comprehensive sensor suite installed in the lateral band of the saucer section, which makes it quite capable of performing scientific studies. The only remaining vessels of this class are now in auxiliary service and so no longer participate in active exploratory missions, but they still often carry secondary mission equipment for various Starfleet and Federation science agencies and continue to passively collect data about the universe that they relay back to Starfleet. Because of their high speed, they are also sometimes used to deploy or retrieve long-range probes, which is an important but banal task that larger vessels are usually not assigned to do.
 
== Diplomacy ==
 
[[File:Niagara2.jpg|thumb|A side profile of the ''Niagara''.]]This class of ship follows many of the same design principles as her larger sister, the ''Ambassador'', and as such has comfortable accommodations and several dedicated diplomatic spaces. Because they are more limited in volume, however, they were not used often to host conferences. Their main role in diplomacy was to transport ambassadors and other dignitaries in speed and style when a larger ship was unavailable or inappropriate. By the 2400s, these ships' diplomatic areas are now used for passenger or patient rest and relaxation in their new role as transports and hospital ships.
 
== Engineering ==
 
[[File:Niagara3.jpg|thumb|A front quarter view of the ''Niagara'' class.]]The vast majority of Starfleet vessels use even pairs of warp nacelles, as this configuration has been proven the most efficient arrangement for Federation warp technology. Only three classes of ships have used three nacelles, and the ''Niagara'' is the one among those classes that ever saw a production run of more than a dozen ships. It's also the only one of the three not to be designed as a "dreadnought" in the way that the [[Federation Class|''Federation'']] or [[Galaxy Class Refit|''Galaxy'' Refit]] classes were. Rather than providing extra power to move more bulk, the third nacelle on the Niagara class is meant to provide a tri-lobed warp field which allows each individual nacelle to operate at a lower power level, thus reducing the stress on the warp coils and increasing the ship's effective endurance. Originally, these ships were built with nacelles identical to those found aboard the Ambassador, but the performance gains were considered marginal at best. While the ship was still considered a moderate success--they were substantially more capable than [[Miranda Class|''Miranda'']] or [[Constellation Class|''Constellation''-class]] ships--they were complex to build and maintain and only ever saw a production order of about 40 units.
 
  
In the 2360s, the class was being evaluated for possible retirement in favor of the designs developed as part of the Fleet Modernization Program, but their basic spaceframes were considered too young to be discarded, even if their performance wasn't spectacular. Instead of retiring them, it was decided to replace their nacelles with the design used aboard the ''Galaxy'' and ''Nebula'' classes, as well as to upgrade their tactical systems. The resulting design is still quite awkward--the shape of the ship was optimized for a three-nacelle design, and so the refit needed to retain the third nacelle--but with these advanced engines, the ship is capable of comfortably cruising at Warp 8 (compared to the design cruise speed of the ''Galaxy'' being a mere Warp 6) and sprinting to Warp 9.8, which makes them the fastest light cruiser design in service even as of 2399.
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==Objectives==
 +
* '''Negotiate''' with local powers for access to regions unexplored by the [[Federation]];
 +
* '''Explore''' beyond frontiers once politically-inaccessible to Starfleet;
 +
* '''Maintain''' relationships with regional governments to secure necessary mission support;
 +
* '''Build''' bridges with foreign powers by demonstrating the value of these on-going, mutually-beneficial agreements.
  
This speed comes at a cost, though, as the engine systems are difficult to maintain, especially considering that the number of engineers with experience operating tri-nacelle designs is extremely small. Structural integrity systems and the inertial dampeners aboard the ship are also complex and non-standard to handle the unusual stress loads created by the engines. Otherwise, the systems aboard this ship are pretty standard for the mid-24th century.
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==Overview==
 +
The changing status quo of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants has seen some borders collapse, others arise, and the friends and foes of the Federation change in warmth or hostility. Beyond the danger of such disruption are the opportunities born of new relationships and vanishing barriers.
  
The ''Niagara'''s physical structure resembles the ''Ambassador'' but at a smaller scale, being roughly half the size of the larger ship. The design has one shuttle bay on the stern, which can carry a handful of small craft. By the 2400s, increased automation has allowed these ships to continue as auxiliary transports with a reduced engineering crew.
+
These opportunities are the mission of Task Force 47. However close or far, they are charged to treat and negotiate with foreign governments to secure access to regions of space near or even within their borders. From there, Starfleet can explore areas never before available to them, whether they be on their doorstep and once locked away by politics, or on the far side of the quadrants and unavailable due to limited resources. Whether these locals offer merely begrudging acceptance of Starfleet’s proximity, open access to pass through their space, or outright support for Federation vessels, these are opportunities that cannot be missed.
== Tactical ==
 
This ship was designed with Type-IX phaser arrays, and in the 2360s, this ship's weapons systems were upgraded to incorporate the new Type-X arrays, a total of 13 of them. These offered comprehensive phaser coverage with few blind spots. In addition to two forward torpedo launchers just above the deflector dish and a single aft torpedo launcher under the shuttle bay, these ships were relatively well-armed but fell behind the combat-oriented designs produced in the 2370s and has suffered many hull losses during its career at the hands of the Borg and the Dominion. They had adequate self-defense capabilities but will almost never be sent purposefully into a combat situation, as they are far more valuable for other mission priorities.
 
  
During the Dominion War, ships of this class were used to find and retrieve escape pods from destroyed ships, using their superior speed to quickly jump away from the battle and return the pods to forward staging points or starbases where their occupants could be evaluated and treated. This made them appealing targets to the Jem'Hadar, who targeted them to inflict morale damage on Starfleet.  
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This is a blend of exploration and diplomacy, for the latter is an ongoing responsibility to prove Starfleet is as good as their word, and demonstrate the value of such close scientific relationships. And the chance to go where no one could go before is beyond value.
  
As of the 2400s, any remaining ships of this class have been disarmed, as they now serve only as transports or hospital ships, but they retain their mainline-grade shields. It would generally be considered a war crime to attack a ship of this class in its current configuration, and ''Niagara'' captains will always choose to run at the first sign of a threat, letting their ships' powerful engines keep their passengers or patients out of harm's way.
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==Task Force Assets and Headquarters==
== Shipboard Life ==
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The [[Thomar Expanse]] represents a fine example of the task force’s mission. On one side of this stretch of unclaimed space is the [[Cardassian Union]], begrudgingly accepting Starfleet’s proximity. On the other are the [[Breen Confederacy]] and the [[Tzenkethi Coalition]], near-hostile if Starfleet should stray too close. Exploration is a careful mission of balancing discovery with diplomacy.
Firmly a modern design as a post-''Ambassador'' class of starship, the ''Niagara'' is an aging workhorse with very limited amenities compared to larger ships. In mainline service, they had two holodecks which were converted from cargo bays in the latter half of the 24th century, as well as comfortable lounges intended to double as diplomatic entertaining spaces. The size of the crew was generally small enough versus the size of the ship that not even the most junior crewmen had to share a bedroom, just a living room, and head. This made them relatively popular assignments on their own, even though they don't get the most exciting missions. By the 2400s, these ships have been converted to serve as transports or hospital ships, which increased their crew comfort levels. Space once dedicated to tactical systems and labs is now given over to crew and passenger accommodations. Transports need very small crews, as well, so this allows for high standards of living at the cost of being a very boring assignment.  
 
  
Tours of duty aboard the Niagara tend to be relatively short for command, science, and tactical personnel, as proving their competence here generally gets them transferred to a more important ship. For engineers, though, it's possible to fall into the Niagara trap or to "go over the falls," as developing proficiency with the three-nacelle design makes it highly likely that you will spend a large amount of your career on these aging, maintenance-intensive ships. As "third nacelle" is the 24th century equivalent to the phrase "third wheel," meaning someone who is supernumerary or otherwise surplus to requirements, members of Starfleet who have never served on one of these ships tend to look down on them, which has created a sort of reflexive pride in the ''Niagara'' class for their crews. Indeed, they are now so rare that some officers consider them to be a myth.
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Starfleet ships must pass through the [[ma:Badlands|Badlands]] to reach the task force’s headquarters, [[Deep Space 47]], the first stop on this new frontier. A smaller outpost, it provides essential supplies and support to ship operations within the Expanse, and allows Task Force 47 to conduct its missions in the region.
  
=== Medical Variant ===
+
Task Force 47's flagship, [[USS_Nobel|USS ''Nobel'']] acts as the task force's mobile command centre when required, under the careful command of [[Captain Sothaal Th'thriannen]]. The vessel maintains most of her fitments from her time in the Delta Quadrant as her new mission is much like her old one, just slightly closer to home.
A handful of Niagara-class ships have now been converted into hospital ships. They are especially useful for fast response missions, serving as very large ambulances to transport patients back to starbases or planetary hospitals. Unlike the [[Olympic Class|''Olympic''-class cruiser]], they are not as capable of performing advanced treatments themselves and generally aren't sufficient to serve as orbital hospitals. Rather, their focus is on stabilization and transport. They have the capacity for 1,000 intermediate care patients at 1:8 nursing staff ratios or 125 critical care patients at 1:1 nursing staff ratios, with a medical team of 250 mainline Starfleet personnel aboard. As their sprint speed is slightly above the ''Olympic'''s, they are often sent in to retrieve the most critical patients from a scene before turning around immediately to return to base before the bulk of the response vessels is in place.
 
  
=== Transport Variant ===
+
Other ships of Task Force 47 consists of the following
The transport variant of this class can accommodate 1,250 passengers for voyages of up to several months. They are not quite as comfortable as dedicated ''Olympic''-class liners, but they have a slightly higher top speed and so are sometimes preferred by those in a hurry. Starfleet also uses these ships to quickly deploy large numbers of engineers or security personnel in times of trouble, though the ships themselves do not have engineering or tactical support capabilities.
 
  
== Niagara class History ==
+
===Task Group 13===
[[File:NiagaraOrtho.jpg|thumb|Orthographic views of the ''Niagara''-class light cruiser.]]
 
Envisioned as early as the 2330s, when the first Ambassador-class heavy cruisers were rolling off of the assembly lines as a complement to the larger ship with a smaller hull and simpler systems in the same way that the Miranda functioned to the Constitution, the Niagara-class design process took nearly ten years. During that time, Starfleet's requirements shifted many times, and it was not considered an urgent project due to the Miranda, Constellation, and Excelsior classes comfortably handling Starfleet's needs through the 2340s. A brain wave by the lead designer was to experiment with new engine configurations on this design, and he was given tentative but skeptical permission to try reviving the tri-nacelle design pioneered aboard the Federation-class dreadnought of the 2260s.
 
  
The prototyping phase was extensive, and the construction of the Niagara took longer than usual, with the ship not leaving the yards until 2345. It was considered a successful ship, as it had pretty good top speeds and modern tactical and computing systems, but the complexity of the design precluded it from mass production. Starfleet investigated reconfiguring the design for two nacelles, but this would have required reworking the structure of the ship and the warp core--all design time that might push the ship back another decade. As such, a small order of 40 ships was made, and Starfleet was content to let this be a strange, limited-run design until the Fleet Modernization Program could be implemented.
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* [[Polaris Squadron]]
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** [[USS Polaris|USS ''Polaris'']], an [[Odyssey Class|''Odyssey''-class]] heavy explorer
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** [[USS Diligent|USS ''Diligent'']], an [[Alita Class|''Alita''-class]] heavy escort
 +
** [[USS Ingenuity|USS ''Ingenuity'']], a [[Pathfinder Class|''Pathfinder''-class]] research cruiser
 +
** [[USS Serenity|USS ''Serenity'']], a [[Duderstadt Class|''Duderstadt''-class]] light cruiser
 +
*[[USS Atlantis|USS ''Atlantis'']], a [[Sovereign Class|''Sovereign''-class]] explorer
 +
*[[USS Cardiff|USS ''Cardiff'']], a [[Parliament Class|''Parliament''-class]] utility cruiser
 +
*[[Dragon Squadron]]
 +
**[[USS Dragon|USS ''Dragon'']], an [[Inquiry Class|''Inquiry''-class]] heavy cruiser
 +
**[https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php?title=USS_Aztec USS Aztec], a [[Rhode Island Class|''Rhode Island-class'']] scout
  
In the 2350s, the last vessel of this class left the yards. The following decade, Starfleet considered scrapping them, but they were otherwise happy with the spaceframe, and since they no longer were going to build more anyway, it was decided to leave them in service. The Starfleet Corps of Engineers implemented a program to replace their nacelles with Galaxy-type nacelles, however, which raised their middling speeds to the very fast design they now have.
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===Task Group 63===
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*[[USS Ride|USS ''Ride'']], an [[Odyssey Class|''Odyssey''-class]] explorer
 +
*[[USS da Vinci|USS ''da Vinci'']], a [[Saber Class|''Saber''-class]] frigate
 +
*[[USS Sojourner|USS ''Sojourner'']], a [[Pathfinder Class|''Pathfinder''-class]] long-range science vessel
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*[[USS Cavalier|USS ''Cavalier'']], a [[Steamrunner Class|''Steamrunner''-class]] light cruiser
 +
*[[USS Achana|USS ''Achana'']], a [[Raven Class|''Raven''-class]] multi-mission support vessel
 +
*[[USS Pioneer|USS ''Pioneer'']], an [[Intrepid Class|''Intrepid''-class]] light explorer
  
The increased top speed of this ship allowed it to go from a generalist light cruiser to a fast response and courier design. These ships were just settling into that role when the Princeton was destroyed at the Battle of Wolf 359. This would be the first in a long list of hull losses for the class, which would pick up during the Dominion War the next decade. Because of their high speed, Starfleet used them to move essential contingents of security personnel, weapons, and supplies to vulnerable border worlds, which made them attractive targets. During large battles, they were also used to pick up escape pods and take them back to safe zones, which further put a target on their backs. During the course of the war, two dozen of these ships were destroyed, leaving only 15 in service by the 2370s. Despite their losses, they were also credited with saving thousands of personnel, and their logistical support functions had immeasurable impacts in the war.
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==Task Force History==
 +
The late-24th century was a time of significant political upheaval. Friendship with the [[Klingon Empire]] collapsed and was rebuilt; the Dominion War made allies of the [[Old Romulan Star Empire|Romulan Star Empire]] only for the [[ma:Romulan sun|Romulan Supernova]] to shatter the once-great power. Post-war negotiations with the Cardassian Union have warmed and cooled and warmed again over the decades. The old order, and the once-indelible borders of historic politics, have been strained if not swept away.
  
Starfleet once again considered retiring the class after the war and actually started the process for a handful of the older members of the class, but the evacuation effort of Romulus starting in 2381 ensured that they would remain in service. The class was officially retired in 2400, though most of the remaining units have been disarmed and transferred to the Starfleet Auxiliary, where they continue on as fast transports and ambulance ships.
+
Beyond the disruption to the status quo, some in Starfleet view this as a grand opportunity. The collapse of the [[Romulan Neutral Zone]] and new friends in the [[Romulan Republic]] has granted access to regions never before visited by the Federation. New relationships with powers like the Cardassians and the Gorn have given similar chances. Chances for friendship and diplomacy, for certain, but also chances for new missions of exploration.
  
== Niagara class In-Play ==
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It became apparent to the [[Fourth Fleet]] that these were specific missions requiring ships ready to conduct diplomacy with potentially old enemies even as they blazed new paths of discovery. At the dawn of the twenty-fifth century with its new opportunities, new politics, new alliances, Task Force 47 was forged as these pathfinders, seeking and building these roads before walking them.
*Three-nacelle designs are very rare, and this is both due to Gene Roddenberry declaring that Starfleet ships *had* to have even numbers of warp engines and because they just look weird. This seems to be an in-universe perception as well, with the phrase "third nacelle" being used on the show to refer to someone who's third-wheeling.
 
*This is a rare, aging design that still has its strengths (it's very fast) but which is so unusual that many officers might not even know it exists. They are only now in Starfleet Auxiliary service, so you might run into one on the space lanes.
 
*As mentioned in the Shipboard Life section, these ships now operate in a very similar way to ''Olympic''-class ships, but they are no longer in mainline service, and so your characters would only have been able to serve on them either as a medical officer or prior to 2400 unless your character transitioned from the Starfleet Auxiliary.
 
*If you're an engineer, you might wish you had had the chance to serve on such a fascinating and unique starship.
 
 
 
{{clear}}
 
[[Category:Retired Federation Starship Classes]]
 

Revision as of 01:49, 2 July 2023

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.








TF47SealSmall.png
Task Force 47
Mandate

Pathfinding Operations

Headquarters

Deep Space 47

Leadership
Commander

CAPT Taavik

Links
BFMS

Main Website

Tf47-logo.png
Template:Task Force

Based out of Deep Space 47 at the gateway to the Thomar Expanse, Task Force 47 is charged with establishing and developing new opportunities for Starfleet’s primary mission of exploration. The pathfinders of the fleet, it is their duty to negotiate with local powers for access, support, and intelligence in order to explore regions previously inaccessible due to practicality or politics.

Objectives

  • Negotiate with local powers for access to regions unexplored by the Federation;
  • Explore beyond frontiers once politically-inaccessible to Starfleet;
  • Maintain relationships with regional governments to secure necessary mission support;
  • Build bridges with foreign powers by demonstrating the value of these on-going, mutually-beneficial agreements.

Overview

The changing status quo of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants has seen some borders collapse, others arise, and the friends and foes of the Federation change in warmth or hostility. Beyond the danger of such disruption are the opportunities born of new relationships and vanishing barriers.

These opportunities are the mission of Task Force 47. However close or far, they are charged to treat and negotiate with foreign governments to secure access to regions of space near or even within their borders. From there, Starfleet can explore areas never before available to them, whether they be on their doorstep and once locked away by politics, or on the far side of the quadrants and unavailable due to limited resources. Whether these locals offer merely begrudging acceptance of Starfleet’s proximity, open access to pass through their space, or outright support for Federation vessels, these are opportunities that cannot be missed.

This is a blend of exploration and diplomacy, for the latter is an ongoing responsibility to prove Starfleet is as good as their word, and demonstrate the value of such close scientific relationships. And the chance to go where no one could go before is beyond value.

Task Force Assets and Headquarters

The Thomar Expanse represents a fine example of the task force’s mission. On one side of this stretch of unclaimed space is the Cardassian Union, begrudgingly accepting Starfleet’s proximity. On the other are the Breen Confederacy and the Tzenkethi Coalition, near-hostile if Starfleet should stray too close. Exploration is a careful mission of balancing discovery with diplomacy.

Starfleet ships must pass through the Badlands to reach the task force’s headquarters, Deep Space 47, the first stop on this new frontier. A smaller outpost, it provides essential supplies and support to ship operations within the Expanse, and allows Task Force 47 to conduct its missions in the region.

Task Force 47's flagship, USS Nobel acts as the task force's mobile command centre when required, under the careful command of Captain Sothaal Th'thriannen. The vessel maintains most of her fitments from her time in the Delta Quadrant as her new mission is much like her old one, just slightly closer to home.

Other ships of Task Force 47 consists of the following

Task Group 13

Task Group 63

Task Force History

The late-24th century was a time of significant political upheaval. Friendship with the Klingon Empire collapsed and was rebuilt; the Dominion War made allies of the Romulan Star Empire only for the Romulan Supernova to shatter the once-great power. Post-war negotiations with the Cardassian Union have warmed and cooled and warmed again over the decades. The old order, and the once-indelible borders of historic politics, have been strained if not swept away.

Beyond the disruption to the status quo, some in Starfleet view this as a grand opportunity. The collapse of the Romulan Neutral Zone and new friends in the Romulan Republic has granted access to regions never before visited by the Federation. New relationships with powers like the Cardassians and the Gorn have given similar chances. Chances for friendship and diplomacy, for certain, but also chances for new missions of exploration.

It became apparent to the Fourth Fleet that these were specific missions requiring ships ready to conduct diplomacy with potentially old enemies even as they blazed new paths of discovery. At the dawn of the twenty-fifth century with its new opportunities, new politics, new alliances, Task Force 47 was forged as these pathfinders, seeking and building these roads before walking them.